Tanzania Launches Project to Empower 700K Youth

Government Collaborates with Stakeholders to Create Youth Employment Opportunities

Saturday, March 22, 2025

In a strategic move to address the growing demand for employment among the youth, the Tanzanian government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with stakeholders to create diverse economic opportunities aimed at empowering young people across the country.

The assurance was given by Deputy Minister for Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, Patrobas Katambi, during the official launch of the Vijana Plus Project, a youth-focused initiative designed to benefit over 700,000 young people across seven regions of mainland Tanzania and five regions in Zanzibar.

The project is a collaborative effort between Save the Children and Tanzania Bora Initiative, and is set to run over a period of three years. Its primary objective is to strengthen youth-led civil society organizations by equipping them with the skills and capacity to develop and implement innovative development programs.

“This initiative marks a significant step forward in empowering our youth and aligning with the nation’s broader development strategies,” Katambi said during the launch event held in Dar es Salaam.

He noted that the project supports national frameworks such as the 2007 National Youth Development Policy (2024 Edition), Tanzania Development Vision 2025, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030). These strategies are designed to boost youth employment, promote skills development, and ensure young voices are heard at all levels of decision-making.

“I am pleased to hear that throughout its implementation, the project will work closely with youth development officers in my ministry and across all the regions involved. This partnership will significantly contribute to the project’s sustainability, even beyond its funding period,” added Katambi.

Angela Kauleni, Director of Save the Children Tanzania, emphasized the project’s goal of building strong youth leadership. The initiative aims to support 40 youth-led organizations and empower 150 young leaders by enhancing their leadership, innovation, and employability skills.

She underscored the importance of equipping youth with the tools to become impactful leaders within institutions, businesses, and governance bodies, stating, “At Save the Children, we believe that every child and young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, to engage in development opportunities, and to contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

“This project will build capacity, skills, and knowledge, while also providing grants to youth-led organizations. It aims to shape a new generation of innovative, accountable, and visionary young leaders—confident, independent, and equipped to make informed decisions that benefit Tanzanian communities,” Kauleni affirmed.