Young Tanzanians have been urged to move beyond seeking formal employment and take advantage of opportunities in mining, agriculture, livestock, fishing, technology and entrepreneurship to create jobs for themselves and others.
Youth Growth Foundation executive director Abdul Mzakiru made the call during the National Mining Technology Exhibition in Geita, where the organisation is promoting youth participation in the mining sector.
He said the mining industry offered opportunities beyond direct employment in mines, including technical services, supplies, processing, business and other activities along the value chain.
Under its campaign slogan, “Kamata fursa kijanja, madini ni mchongo” (Smartly seize opportunities; mining is an opportunity), the foundation is encouraging young people to identify and pursue opportunities available in their communities.
“Opportunities are available and waiting for young people who are committed. We welcome young people to join us so that we can connect them with employment, training, business and market opportunities,” Mr Mzakiru said.
He said the foundation provides education, vocational training and entrepreneurship programmes designed to equip young people with skills that match labour-market demands and business opportunities.
“Our goal is to help young people, women and special groups benefit from the resources around them and improve their economic wellbeing,” he said.
Mr Mzakiru said the mining sector could play a greater role in addressing youth unemployment if young people were equipped with the skills, information and access to opportunities needed to participate in the industry.
He cited the Tanzania Mining Vision 2030, whose slogan is “Mining is Life and Wealth,” saying increased geological research could provide small-scale miners with better information on mineral deposits and reduce reliance on trial-and-error mining.
He also linked the opportunities to Tanzania's Development Vision 2050, saying the mining sector was expected to contribute to employment creation and broader economic participation among young people.
Through the MBT Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow project, he said, youth groups were being linked to opportunities to obtain mining licences and participate in mining activities.
“By joining today, you begin a journey towards self-employment and becoming a source of employment for others,” Mr Mzakiru said.
Youth Growth Foundation vice-chairman Yazidu Bitika said the organisation was working with RM TZ Geological Ltd to strengthen access to professional expertise and technology in mining.
He said the partnership provides technical advice, geological information, rock surveys and analysis, as well as inspection and verification of mining licences.
Mr Bitika said access to reliable geological information and technical expertise was important for young people seeking to enter the mining industry and make informed investment decisions.