Young people participating in Tanzania’s 2026 Youth Parliament have been challenged to move beyond highlighting challenges facing their generation and propose practical solutions to issues affecting education, employment and economic opportunities.
Parliamentary Clerk Baraka Leonard said the platform should equip young people with the skills and confidence to participate in democratic processes, hold leaders accountable and contribute to national development.
Speaking during the official opening of the Youth Parliament in Dodoma on November 10, 2026, Mr Leonard said participants should use the five-day exercise to develop leadership skills while observing democratic principles, fairness, discipline and accountability.
The Youth Parliament, which began on November 9 and runs until November 13, provides young people with practical exposure to parliamentary procedures, representation, law-making and democratic governance.
Mr Leonard said participants had already elected their leaders, including the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Leader of the Official Opposition. They had also appointed a Parliamentary Clerk and table clerks to support the proceedings.
The young legislators had further participated in processes involving the approval of the Prime Minister’s name and the appointment of the Attorney General, giving them practical experience of parliamentary and government procedures.
He urged elected leaders to ensure fairness and equal participation, stressing that every member should have an opportunity to express their views without discrimination.
He also encouraged those who did not secure leadership positions to remain active in parliamentary business, saying meaningful participation was not limited to holding office.
"Leadership is not merely about holding a position, but having the commitment, ability and readiness to bring about change. A strong Parliament is not built by leaders alone, but through the participation and contributions of every MP," he said.
Mr Leonard challenged participants to focus their discussions on issues affecting young people, including unemployment, education, entrepreneurship, technology, healthcare, environmental protection and their participation in decision-making.
He said identifying problems was not enough, urging the youth MPs to examine the causes and develop realistic recommendations that could inform solutions for young people and the country.
He identified four principles as essential to the success of the Youth Parliament: discipline and adherence to parliamentary rules, constructive debate, accountability in representing young people, and integrity and patriotism.
He said disagreements should be treated as an opportunity to broaden understanding and find common ground rather than create hostility.
He also urged the participants to base their arguments on facts, evidence and logic, noting that effective leadership depended as much on listening and analysing opposing views as it did on speaking.
The Parliamentary Clerk said the 2026 session would also give participants an opportunity to debate and pass a Bill relating to the centenary of Tanzania’s Parliament.
He described the exercise as an opportunity for young people to engage directly with an important milestone in the country's legislative history.
Tanzania is marking 100 years since the establishment of the Legislative Council of Tanganyika in 1926, which laid the foundation for the country's parliamentary institution.
The centenary celebrations are being held under the theme, "100 Years of Parliament: Our History, Our Vision", highlighting the importance of preserving parliamentary records, institutional experience, principles and values for future generations.
Meanwhile, Youth Parliament Speaker Anna Mrema urged young people to take responsibility for bringing positive change to their communities instead of waiting for future leadership positions or blaming those currently in authority.
She said young people should recognise that their contribution to national development could begin now, regardless of whether they occupied formal leadership positions.
Ms Mrema also emphasised discipline, integrity and respect, describing leadership as a responsibility to serve others rather than an opportunity for personal gain.
She urged participants to take the lessons learnt during the session back to their colleges and communities, sharing their knowledge and encouraging fellow young people to engage in development initiatives.