Mbeya. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has said the government has disbursed a total of Sh3.5 trillion by 2024 to economically empower the youth, up from Sh904 billion in 2021, marking a major stride in the state’s youth empowerment initiatives.
Speaking on Friday, October 10, 2025, during the National Youth Week celebrations held in Mbeya, the Prime Minister said the funds have enabled young people across the country to access capital for productive ventures that have improved their incomes and contributed to national economic growth.
The celebrations are being observed under the theme Youth Workforce for Sustainable Development.
Mr Majaliwa said the government recognises youth as the backbone of national development and that their empowerment remains a strategic priority in the journey towards realising Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Young people, when well-prepared and given the right opportunities, can become a driving force in the implementation of national and global development agendas,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significant contribution of youth to various sectors, including agriculture, trade, technology, sports, and the arts, noting that they continue to play an instrumental role in driving innovation and productivity.
“In areas of innovation and technology, young Tanzanians are at the forefront of adopting new technologies and digital platforms, including artificial intelligence and modern communication systems. Their creativity has become a catalyst for positive change in both society and the economy,” he added.
Mr Majaliwa urged all stakeholders to ensure that youth are fully involved at every level of decision-making, not merely as beneficiaries of policies but also as innovators and leaders of socio-economic transformation.
During his visit to the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) pavilion, the Prime Minister called on training institutions and education stakeholders to prioritise skills development for persons with disabilities and to provide them with the necessary learning tools to enhance their productivity.
“From what I have seen here, there are many young people with disabilities who possess remarkable skills and talents. Parents should be encouraged to allow their children with disabilities to attend training institutions, and those institutions must ensure they receive the skills they need to improve their livelihoods,” he said.
For his part, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Ridhiwani Kikwete, said the government values the youth as a vital national resource whose potential, when properly nurtured, can transform the country’s socio-economic landscape.
“This is a powerful resource which, when guided and capacitated effectively through their talents, can drive sustainable development and build a competitive and prosperous nation,” he said.
