Public institutions have been given two weeks to begin designing a programme that could give at least 10,000 young Tanzanians practical work experience as the government pushes for greater efficiency and accountability in the public sector.
Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi issued the directive yesterday while opening the C-CEOs Forum 2026 in Arusha, where leaders of more than 300 public institutions and state-owned enterprises are meeting to discuss their role in implementing Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.
The programme is expected to target another 20,000 young people through opportunities in the private sector, potentially giving 30,000 youth a pathway to gain practical experience needed for employment and self-employment.
Mr Ndejembi directed the ministries responsible for Planning and Investment, Finance and Agriculture to prepare the training plan within two weeks.
He said strengthening human capital was central to achieving the objectives of the 2050 Vision, with practical work experience helping young people bridge the gap between education and the workplace.
The directive comes amid continued pressure on employers and policymakers to create more opportunities for young people entering the labour market.
But the Vice President said public institutions also had to change how they use public resources, calling on their leaders to ensure that every shilling allocated to them produces value for citizens.
He urged public institutions and state-owned enterprises to develop sustainable revenue sources, cut unproductive expenditure and improve the quality of services they provide.
“Every public resource must be used productively,” Mr Ndejembi said, while urging institutional leaders to embrace innovation and accountability.
He also directed the Office of the Treasury Registrar to strengthen performance assessment of public institutions and ensure the youth training programme is considered in next year's performance assessments and awards.
The forum also focused on the need for public institutions to prepare for possible disruption from El Niño-related rains.
Mr Ndejembi urged institutions to protect public infrastructure and investments and ensure essential services continue even when extreme weather affects communities.
The three-day forum, held at the Arusha International Conference Centre, has brought together more than 700 participants, including board chairpersons, chief executives, government officials and development partners.
Organised by the Office of the Treasury Registrar, the forum is the fourth since its establishment in 2023 and is intended to strengthen the performance and economic contribution of public institutions and state-owned enterprises.
The National Commission for UNESCO is among the institutions participating in the meeting.
The commission said its participation was aimed at gaining strategic guidance, sharing experience and aligning its work in education, science, culture, communication and information with national development priorities.
The meeting comes as Tanzania begins implementing its long-term Development Vision 2050, which places human capital, knowledge, innovation and technology among the areas expected to drive the country's development.
For ordinary citizens, the success of the vision will ultimately depend on whether public institutions can translate those priorities into more jobs, better services and more efficient use of public resources.