Mtwara. Young people in Mtwara have appealed for stronger government support to create an enabling environment that would allow the region’s economic prospects to generate jobs and reinforce social stability.
The call comes as the country establishes, for the first time, a dedicated Ministry of Youth, an institutional shift they believe should translate into tangible empowerment.
During separate engagements with youth groups on November 29, 2025, the minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Youth Development and Mtwara Urban MP, Joel Nanauka, said the government intends to devote more time to opening development pathways for young people rather than restricting them.
He noted that the creation of the ministry aligns with the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to amplify the voices and ideas of the country’s youth in addressing longstanding challenges.
Mr Nanauka told the youth that, in an effort to expand access to capital and reliable income streams, he plans to establish a special youth fund under a Saccos arrangement targeting motorcycle riders and women entrepreneurs.
He said his personal contribution to the fund would help strengthen its lending capacity, enabling young people to access credit and secure employment.
He urged the youth of Mtwara to safeguard peace, emphasising that he remains committed to serving all residents, as pledged during the election period.
Mr Nanauka encouraged those with innovative business ideas to approach his office so that a structured process for transforming such concepts into viable enterprises can be pursued.
Youth who participated in the engagements, including Hamza Kalinga of Chilindima, said they did not see value in protests, noting that even after the recent general election, they refrained from participating in unrest. Instead, they stressed that their primary need is access to start-up capital.
At the Mkanaledi bus terminal, where the minister held another interaction, Hussein Said said the current national atmosphere gives no justification for youth to engage in demonstrations or fuel conflict.
He underscored the importance of collaborating with the government to explore opportunities and address persistent constraints such as limited financing.
Another participant, Tabu Mashaka, commended the minister for travelling across regions to engage directly with young people.
She asked him to convey their gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for establishing the youth ministry, noting that its creation provides a dedicated channel for addressing their concerns.
She urged him to continue touring the regions, insisting that the existence of the ministry has given young citizens confidence that their issues will be prioritised.
However, Anjira Mussa of Chilindima raised concerns about the treatment of motorcycle riders by police officers, a situation he said hinders their ability to work effectively.
He appealed for improved relations between law enforcement and the public.
Mr Nanauka is in Mtwara on a working tour aimed at meeting youth and gathering their views on the Tanzania they envision.
Over the weekend, he visited Mdenga, Muungano–Chilindima, the Mkanaledi bus stand and the Mikindani terminal, accompanied by the ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr Kedmon Mapama, and regional officials.
