DAR ES SALAAM: THE Union and Zanzibar governments are stepping up investment in education, skills development, information and communication technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship as they seek to help young people turn their ideas into businesses, innovations and employment opportunities.
Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, speaking on behalf of Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi, said youth development was a strategic investment in the country’s future and required stronger policies, programmes and institutions to enable young people to participate fully in national development.
He made the remarks while opening the 2026 East Africa Youth Conference at Dr Ali Mohammed Shein Hall of the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) in Tunguu, South Unguja.
“Youth development is a strategic investment in the future of our nation,” said Mr Abdulla.
He said the government, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, had implemented projects worth more than 54 million US dollars to support skills development and youth employment in the Blue Economy, with the initiatives expected to benefit more than 43,000 young people.
The programmes are aimed at equipping young people with skills needed to compete in regional and international markets, he said.
Mr Abdulla said investment under the Blue Economy agenda had also supported skills development, innovation and businesses based on marine resources, creating opportunities in employment, investment and entrepreneurship.
He urged young people attending the conference to use the platform to build their skills, exchange experiences and gain knowledge in technology and other areas relevant to the changing economy.
“Young people should become part of the change by creating opportunities for themselves and employment opportunities for others,” he said.
Mr Abdulla also welcomed efforts to develop the East Africa Youth Conference into a regional platform for youth development, cooperation and exchange of experiences, saying Zanzibar would continue supporting such initiatives.
Youth, Employment and Empowerment Minister Shaaban Ali Othman said his ministry would continue supporting youth-led initiatives through education, skills development and empowerment programmes.
He said the government was also strengthening institutions and organisations involved in youth development to help translate young people’s aspirations into practical opportunities.
Global Youth Empowerment Executive Director Amina Sanga said the organisation was focused on developing young leaders by providing training, tools and technology to enable them to participate in strategic areas of development.
“We want to see young people equipped with the skills and tools they need to become effective and patriotic leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
The conference has also brought together financial institutions and businesses seeking to connect young people with capital, business advice and investment opportunities.
CRDB Bank Coastal Zone Manager Iddy Badru said more than 3,000 young people were attending the conference, giving them access to information on investment, employment, technology and business advisory services.
He said CRDB had supported young people and women through financial literacy training, business advice and loans, with more than 15bn/- invested through various programmes.
“Our programmes are designed to help young people and women transform their ideas into viable businesses and improve their incomes,” Mr Badru said.
Participants also called for broader efforts to remove barriers that prevent young people from accessing opportunities.
Ruth Mueni from Kenya urged young people to understand themselves, build strong relationships and remain willing to learn and apply their knowledge.
She also called on regional governments to improve access to capital and reliable markets and strengthen connections between young people and opportunities within and beyond their countries.
