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Tanzanian government-backed innovation hubs offer hope to jobless youth
Recognising the potential of ICT, the parliamentary committee on Infrastructure has called for urgent measures to promote youth innovation. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- This comes when, a few weeks ago, Tanzania witnessed the rise of jobless young people who have started forming informal groups, demanding employment, a situation experts said needed an immediate remedy before the bomb blasts.
Dar es Salaam. The ongoing expansion of the ICT sector, particularly through government-backed innovation hubs, presents a golden opportunity to turn the unemployment crisis into a chance for economic growth and job creation, experts say.
This comes when, a few weeks ago, Tanzania witnessed the rise of jobless young people who have started forming informal groups, demanding employment, a situation experts said needed an immediate remedy before the bomb blasts.
Recognising the potential of ICT, the parliamentary committee on Infrastructure has called for urgent measures to promote youth innovation.
The committee, led by Chairman Suleiman Kakoso, emphasised that fostering a culture of technological creativity will not only curb unemployment but also contribute to national development.
“We urge the government to develop a strategic programme to guide young people in expanding their innovation, creating ventures, and generating employment,” Mr Kakoso said during a visit to the Tanzania ICT Commission (ICTC) on March 17, 2025.
Tanzania’s government has already made significant strides in supporting young innovators by setting up technology hubs across the country.
Mr Kakoso applauded these efforts, particularly the ongoing construction of innovation centres in eight regions.
“The government deserves credit for this endeavour. They’ll provide young people with spaces to refine their ideas and turn them into reality,” he said.
According to the Deputy Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Ms Maryprisca Mahundi, Tanzania is on track to have 17 innovation hubs nationwide, including a major innovation school in Dodoma.
“These centres will be crucial in equipping young innovators with the necessary skills and mentorship,” she said. “We must focus on growing our local talent rather than relying on foreign expertise.”
The chairperson for the parliamentary committee on Infrastructure, Mr Suleiman Kakoso, speaks during the committee’s visit to ICTC offices on Monday. PHOTO | COURTESY
Director general of ICTC, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, stressed that the centres were open to all young Tanzanians with innovative ideas. He expressed optimism that local innovators will soon gain international recognition.
“Our goal is for Tanzanian innovators to enter the global market. These hubs provide the resources and networks necessary to make that happen,” he said.
Experts believe that technology holds the key to solving Tanzania’s unemployment crisis. ICT solutions can create job opportunities in digital finance, e-commerce, agritech, and artificial intelligence.
An ICT policy analyst, Dr Jane Mrosso, told The Citizen in an interview that with the right support, young Tanzanians can transform their lives through digital entrepreneurship.
“The gig economy, fuelled by ICT, offers numerous opportunities. Youth can earn a living through online freelancing, digital marketing, and app development,” she explained.
An innovation consultant, Mr Kennedy Mbelwa from Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), agrees, emphasising the need for skills training.
“We need to ensure young people acquire the technical and business skills necessary to thrive in the innovation sector,” he said. “The government must also provide funding schemes and incentives to encourage youth participation in ICT.”
Despite some success stories, many young Tanzanians struggle to develop their ideas due to a lack of support.
Mr Kakoso cited examples of individuals in Njombe, Morogoro, and Songwe who built innovative solutions but lacked funding and mentorship to take their projects further.
“We cannot afford to let such talent go to waste. These innovation hubs will help identify and support young creators before their ideas fade away,” he emphasised.
Ms Mahundi added that the government was also working on legal recognition for young innovators to protect their ideas and ensure their success in the market.
“Formalising innovation is crucial. We want young people to feel secure in their work and have access to resources that will help them scale their projects,” she said.
To maximise the impact of innovation hubs, they insisted on the need for well-trained mentors to guide young innovators. Mr Kakoso warned that without proper mentorship, the hubs could fail to achieve their intended purpose.
“We can have the best infrastructure, but without qualified professionals to guide young innovators, we won’t get the results we need,” he cautioned.
Mr Mbelwa believes the ICTC must also collaborate with private sector players to create more funding opportunities for startups.
“Government efforts alone are not enough. We need banks, investors, and tech firms to come in and support these young innovators,” he said.
The establishment of innovation hubs in Tanzania is seen as a significant step toward addressing youth unemployment.
With the right approach, experts believe that Tanzania’s youth can transition from being job seekers to job creators, helping the country build a stronger, technology-driven economy.
