Govt affirms commitment to end youth unemployment

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and Persons living with Disabilities) Anthony Mavunde gave the affirmation when launching another season of the youth empowerment program medubbed ‘Airtel Fursa Season 2’ in Dar es Salaam.
Mavunde said youth unemployment is a global crisis and cited the 2011 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) that notes, Tanzania has a population of 2.2 million people with no employment.
“This figure is equivalent to 11.7 per cent of the country’s entire workforce in 2006,” said the deputy minister.
He said several interventions are underway to create job opportunities for graduates and other youth groups.
“Since the government is aware of youth’s contribution in development, it is striving to ensure construction of factories that will create employment for the youth,” he said.
He pointed out that the Employment Policy of 2008 is geared to reduce youth unemployment and that various entrepreneurship trainings were conducted between 2001 and 2009 under the policy.
“We have managed to equip more than 30,000 youths with entrepreneurship skills,” said the Deputy Minister calling on other companies to emulate Airtel Tanzania’s youth employment initiative; “because the government cannot manage to employ and/or empower every citizen,” he said.
Mavunde urged youth in the country to seize the opportunity extended in the Airtel Fursa Season 2 to improve their businesses and livelihood.
“I urge youth to take up this opportunity and work diligently…the government through the ministry and other relevant authorities is committed to provide a suitable environment for sustainable economic growth,” said Mavunde.
Speaking during the launch, Airtel Managing Director, Sunil Colaso emphasized on the company’s commitment towards empowering the youth in recognition of their role as drivers of Tanzania’s economy.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to enable determined youth to uplift their livelihoods and realize their dreams,” he said noting that more than 1bn/- has been set aside for implementation of ‘Airtel Fursa Season 2’.
He said the company is determined to reach more youth who are ready and geared to unlock their potentials through entrepreneurship skills, business grants and eventually online programmes designed to be accessible on mobile phones.
Launched in May, 2015, ‘Airtel Fursa’ programme aims at enabling youth by providing them with relevant entrepreneurial skills and tools for sustainable growth of their businesses.
‘Airtel Fursa’ season one featured more than 2500 youth age between 18 to 24 years who received entrepreneurship training and other 13 outstanding youth entrepreneurs who were awarded grants to improve their businesses and ultimately grow to create opportunities and serve their communities.
At least 750m/- was used during implementation of the programme’s first season.