Nchimbi urges graduates to embrace entrepreneurship, creativity

Dar es Salaam. The ruling CCM’s Secretary General, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, has called on graduates to harness their knowledge, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit to transform job markets and shape Tanzania’s future.

Dr Nchimbi made the remarks at the convocation ceremony of Mzumbe University on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

He urged graduates to embrace innovation and rethink traditional career paths in response to evolving global trends.

“The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace. The rise of artificial intelligence, the green economy, and technological revolutions are reshaping the nature of work,” he said.

“The future belongs to bold visionaries who dare to challenge the norm and redefine industries,” he added.

The convocation themed: “Empowering Students to Revolutionize Job Markets and Ignite New Career Frontiers,” was a platform where Dr Nchimbi highlighted the role of education in addressing national and global challenges.

He lauded Mzumbe University for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among its students.

“You are not just inheriting the world as it is; you are being called to shape it into what it can be,” he told the graduates.

“The knowledge and skills you have gained here are your tools to lead change and make a lasting impact,” he added.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of technology, Dr Nchimbi urged graduates to transcend being mere consumers and become creators of solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges.

“The world is waiting for breakthroughs from Tanzanian minds. Let us ask ourselves: How can we lead the next technological revolution in Africa?” he posed.

“It is time to turn our brilliance into solutions that make a difference,” he said.

Dr Nchimbi also highlighted entrepreneurship as a critical driver of economic growth, encouraging graduates to view challenges as opportunities for innovation.

Speaking to The Citizen, a development economist and lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Grace Mallya, commended Dr Nchimbi’s remarks, emphasising that entrepreneurship is a key pathway to addressing unemployment.

“Tanzania needs a paradigm shift where graduates are not solely focused on finding jobs but are also encouraged to create them,” Dr Mallya said.

“The government should continue fostering a conducive environment for startups by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing access to capital,” she said.

Dr Mallya further stressed the need for universities to introduce more entrepreneurial training.

“It’s imperative that we align education with industry demands. Practical skills and innovation must be at the heart of our curricula,” she added.

Similarly, technology entrepreneur Joseph Mwakisowile called for deeper collaborations between academia and employers.

“The technology sector offers immense opportunities for graduates, but success requires an ecosystem where universities and businesses collaborate effectively,” Mr Mwakisowile said.

“Innovation hubs and mentorship programmes should become integral parts of our higher education institutions.”

Mr Mwakisowile echoed Dr Nchimbi’s sentiments on leveraging Tanzania’s unique challenges as opportunities.

“Solutions that address Africa’s specific problems will not only generate income but also position Tanzania as a leader in global innovation,” he noted.

Dr Nchimbi assured graduates of the government’s commitment to foster innovation under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.