Joseph Isangura
Former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda emphasized the critical need for robust partnerships between the government and the private sector.
Speaking at the 48th Sabasaba International Trade Fair in Dar es Salaam, Pinda highlighted the potential of private sector engagement to create substantial employment opportunities for young Tanzanians.
“Private sector involvement is essential for economic growth and job creation,” Pinda stated, stressing that fostering a conducive business environment is a key government priority. He acknowledged President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership in convening national forums where businesses can voice their challenges directly to the highest levels of government.
Pinda argued that expanding private sector initiatives can absorb more employees than government sectors, potentially addressing the high youth unemployment rate. “The private sector is not just an economic driver but a significant employment provider. Enhancing this sector can lead to more job opportunities, particularly for our young population,” he said.
The Tanzanian government has undertaken several initiatives to bridge the employment gap. One of the notable programs is the Third Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III), which aims to reduce youth unemployment from 9% in 2019 to 8% by 2025/26 through comprehensive skills development and on-the-job training programs. This plan seeks to increase the number of trained graduates from 30,000 in 2019/20 to 150,000 by 2025/26
However, Pinda pointed out that the success of these initiatives heavily relies on the private sector’s active participation. The government has collaborated with the Association of Tanzanian Employers (ATE) to ensure that training programs align with market needs, enhancing the employability of graduates. ATE Chairman Oscar Mgaya has expressed optimism about the plan, emphasizing the importance of hands-on training to prepare graduates for the workforce
Furthermore, Pinda lauded the establishment of empowerment funds but urged for self-sustaining mechanisms. He suggested that while these funds are crucial, their heavy reliance on government financing might not be sustainable in the long term. “It is imperative to develop alternative funding sources that can support youth employment initiatives independently,” he advised.
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The Ministry of Agriculture’s initiative to engage over three million youths in agribusiness is another strategic move to tap into the sector’s vast employment potential. Vocational training and industrialization efforts are also crucial components of the government’s strategy, aiming to create a business-friendly environment that nurtures small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The formal sector’s capacity to create jobs is still limited, and the gap between economic growth and employment rates underscores the need for policy refinement and implementation. Enhancing education, embracing technology, and fostering a startup ecosystem are critical for building a globally competitive workforce
Pinda’s call to action underscores the necessity of a collaborative approach to tackle youth unemployment. By leveraging private sector capabilities and ensuring sustainable funding for employment programs, Tanzania can pave the way for a prosperous future for its young population. The government’s ongoing initiatives, coupled with private sector engagement, are pivotal in transforming the employment landscape and driving economic growth.
