Africa’s youth boom could be a ‘time bomb’ in the making, Tanzania education minister warns

Speaking at the 4th International Quality Education Conference (IQEC) in Dar es Salaam, he described Africa’s surging youth population as a "time bomb" that only education can defuse.

“Education is our shield,” he declared, eyes scanning the room.

“Without it, we will have a youthful population where the civic bond holding us together will rupture. That’s a more immediate challenge than climate change or any other crisis confronting us today.”

Africa’s youth bulge is both a blessing and a challenge. According to the latest census, nearly half of Tanzania’s population is under the age of 17.

These children, full of potential, are a double-edged sword.

On one side, they represent an opportunity—a future workforce ready to drive economies.

On the other, they are a looming crisis, one that could destabilise entire nations if left uneducated and unemployed.

Prof Mkenda didn’t mince his words.

“The problem isn’t that we have many young people,” he clarified. “It’s that we aren’t preparing them for the future.”

A global rallying cry for education reforms has echoed louder in recent years, but Africa’s context requires more than borrowed solutions.

“We need to prioritise skill-based education,” Mkenda urged. “This isn’t just about teaching—it’s about teaching well.”

He shared that Tanzania is revitalising vocational training to equip the youth with practical skills.

“We’ve revived nine technical schools and are building 100 more. That’s how serious our President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directives are,” he said.

The minister also emphasised science and technology as key to improving lives.

“For example, in agriculture, quality education can empower researchers to develop better seeds, boosting productivity. But that’s only possible with meaningful investment,” he said, pausing for effect.

And while Tanzania has made strides, Prof Mkenda admitted there’s still a long way to go.

“We’re behind in human capital investment,” he said, citing the World Bank’s Human Capital Index, where Sub-Saharan Africa scores below the global average.

A generation waiting for jobs

The real challenge, Prof Mkenda warned, lies ahead.

“As our children finish school, they’ll seek jobs. If those jobs don’t exist, we’re in trouble.”

This statement struck a chord with an economist specialising in labour markets,  Dr George Nyagawa; “Africa’s youth don’t just need jobs; they need the ‘right’ jobs,” he explained.

“We must align education with market demands—tech, agriculture, renewable energy. That’s where the future lies.”

Prof Mkenda also cautioned against ignoring technological disruptions.

“AI and automation are changing the job market. If we don’t prepare, technology could displace more workers than it employs,” he said.

However, he reassured the audience, “Those who invest in technology will reap its benefits. Education is how we ensure everyone can participate in this new world.”

Prof Mkenda, former academic at the University of Dar es Salaam didn’t shy away from using humor to make his point.

“Our children are bright,” he joked, “but you can’t expect them to grow up solving problems when we haven’t taught them multiplication!”

His lighter moments drew laughter, but the underlying message was serious: Africa’s education systems need a wake-up call.

TenMet’s national coordinator, Ms Martha Makala, echoed Mkenda’s sentiments.

“We’re encouraged by the minister’s focus on skills and technology which requires a collective effort,” she said.

An education consultant, Dr Rehema Mbaga, added; “The demographic challenge isn’t unique to Tanzania. It’s a continental issue, and the solution starts with curriculum reform. Our kids need critical thinking, creativity, and resilience—not just rote learning.”

Prof Mkenda’s closing remarks were both a challenge and an invitation.

“Yes, we face other crises—climate change, globalisation—but the youth population is our most pressing issue. It’s an opportunity if handled well, a disaster if ignored.”

He urged stakeholders to “stay the course” and prioritise education reforms despite the hurdles. “Investments must start now,” he insisted.

“Because when this generation grows up, we want them contributing to society, not questioning why society failed them.”

The bigger picture

Africa’s youth ‘time bomb’ isn’t just Tanzania’s problem; it’s a wake-up call for the entire continent.

If Prof Mkenda’s speech is anything to go by, the solution lies in one word: ‘education’.

But as Dr Nyagawa aptly put i; “It’s not enough to say education is the answer. We need to ask: What kind of education? And are we ready to make the sacrifices required to deliver it?”

For now, the clock is ticking.

The time bomb may be defused—or it may explode. Only time will tell which path Africa chooses.