Youth Unemployment in Tanzania: How Vocational Training Is Making a Difference

Tanzania has one of the youngest populations in the world — over 75% of citizens are under 35. That demographic dividend, however, comes with a sobering reality: youth unemployment and underemployment — where young people work in jobs below their skill level or in precarious informal work — affects millions.

The mismatch between education and labour market needs is well documented. Thousands of young Tanzanians graduate each year with academic certificates but without the practical, technical, or entrepreneurial skills that employers actually want.

Our Youth Empowerment vocational centers in Mwananyamala and Magomeni were designed to close this gap. We offer six-month certificate courses in solar panel installation, phone and computer repair, tailoring and fashion design, catering and hospitality, beauty therapy, and plumbing.

The results have been encouraging. Of the 800 young people who have completed our programs since 2023, 60% are in paid employment or running their own businesses within six months of graduating. The average monthly income of graduates is three times higher than before they enrolled.

"I used to spend the whole day just sitting," says Kevin Juma, 22, who completed our solar installation course in August 2025. "Now I have five clients a week. I installed panels for a school last month. I am planning to hire two people by the end of the year."

Beyond technical skills, we embed entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and job readiness training into every course. Graduates leave with a business plan, a savings account, and membership in a peer support network that continues beyond the program.

We are expanding to a third centre in Temeke in 2026. The need is enormous — we currently have a waiting list of over 200 young people. With your support, we can reach more of them.