Tanzania's struggle with youth employment: A critical look

In 2016, the youth unemployment crisis in Tanzania emerged as a national concern, one of the topics I discussed in this column.

The situation was aptly described as a ticking time bomb considering the mounting numbers of unemployed youths.

Seven years on, as we approach 2024, it’s pertinent to ask: How effectively has Tanzania addressed this issue?

As we are too close to 2024, we continue struggling to create significant employment opportunities for our youths and increasingly restless demographic.

Efforts have been varied in success but unwavering in intent.

The government has strategically emphasized vocational training and skills development, a response to the annual surge of young job seekers.

Vocational institutes have burgeoned, dedicated to equipping young Tanzanians with marketable skills.

A notable initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture aims to engage over 3 million youths in agribusiness, tapping into the potential of this sector for large-scale employment.

Progress in industrialisation, reminiscent of policies from the Obama era in the United States of America, has led to infrastructural advancements and job creation.

However, benefits are not evenly distributed across Tanzania, indicating the need for more inclusive growth strategies.

Regional Commissioners (RCs) and local authorities have proactively fostered entrepreneurship and partnered with the private sector to nurture a business-friendly environment.

Despite these efforts, formal sector job creation still lags behind the ambitious target of creating one million new jobs annually.

This gap between economic growth and job creation underscores the urgency for a robust national employment policy.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have noticed growth and are essential in job creation.

Yet, they face challenges like limited access to finance, bureaucratic hurdles, and insufficient support, which need addressing to unleash their full employment potential.

Under the third Five-Year Development Plan (2021/22–2025/26), the government has refocused its efforts on reducing youth unemployment from 9% in 2019 to 8% by 2025/26.

That includes a comprehensive skills development program and hands-on training in collaboration with the private sector, aiming to produce 231,000 apprenticeship-trained graduates by 2025/26.

This approach aims to address immediate employment needs while also bridging gender gaps and including marginalized groups, such as individuals with disabilities.

The role of the private sector, as seen in the partnership with the Association of Tanzanian Employers (ATE) is vital, emphasizing the need for skilled youth in the labour market.

Yet, the challenge extends beyond industrial growth. Focusing on improving education, investing in technology, and cultivating a globally competitive workforce is crucial.

The capacity of the formal sectors to absorb the burgeoning youth population is insufficient, and economic growth has not seamlessly been translated into job creation, signaling a critical need for policy refinement and implementation.

Harnessing the potential of technology and innovation is vital in the digital economy era.

That includes promoting a startup ecosystem, encouraging technological entrepreneurship, and integrating digital skills into educational curricula.

The potential for green jobs and sustainable industries, particularly in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism, represents an untapped opportunity as the world shifts towards sustainability.

Tanzania can position its youth at the forefront of this transition.

The involvement of international organizations in enhancing vocational training and agricultural value chains is commendable.

However, scaling these initiatives to reach a broader demographic and translate into concrete employment opportunities is necessary.

Building and strengthening labour market information systems are pivotal for informed policy-making and assessing employment program effectiveness.

Tanzania has made strides in addressing youth unemployment through various initiatives and policy shifts, but much still needs to be done.

A multifaceted approach is required, encompassing enhanced education, embracing technology, fostering private sector involvement, and ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.

Only through concerted efforts can Tanzania hope to defuse the ticking time bomb of youth unemployment and pave the way for a prosperous, equitable future.