Minister of State in the President’s Office (Youth Development), Joel Nanauka, speaks with members of the Youth Platform at the Mazimbu Campus of the Sokoine University of Agriculture after officially launching the platform. PHOTO | HAMIDA SHARIFF.
The government says youth empowerment remains a key priority, citing efforts to improve access to finance for self-employment and business development
Morogoro. The Government has said it is implementing strategies to economically empower young people through skills development and access to capital, including the 10 per cent local government authority loans for youth, women and people with disabilities.
The remarks were made by the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Youth Development), Mr Joel Nanauka, during the launch of the Youth Platform (Platform Campus Connect) at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Mazimbu Campus in Morogoro Region.
Mr Nanauka said youth empowerment remains a key priority, citing government efforts to improve access to finance for self-employment and business development.
He said President Hassan had earlier pledged to allocate Sh200 billion within the first 100 days in office to strengthen empowerment programmes for youth and women through access to capital for start-ups and business expansion.
“On February 2 this year, President Samia fulfilled that promise, and the funds were distributed to various sectors to ensure continued empowerment,” he said.
Mr Nanauka said the Government has since simplified procedures for accessing development loans to allow more young people to benefit.
He said the reforms have enabled youth, including students and organised groups, to access loans under more favourable conditions.
“The good thing is that you can apply even while still a student. Young people can now apply directly through the ministry after the process was simplified,” he said.
He urged young people to use available platforms to access information on opportunities and improve their livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Gairo District Commissioner Alhaj Japhar Kubecha urged youth to use the loans productively to create employment and contribute to development.
He cautioned against spending too much time on social media at the expense of productive activities.
He also encouraged young people to use the platform for learning, networking and identifying opportunities in entrepreneurship and innovation.
SUA Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance and Planning) Prof Amendus Mhairwa said youth should be equipped with practical skills and knowledge to enable them to become self-reliant.
“Youth must be equipped with knowledge so that they can become self-reliant,” he said.
Morogoro Special Seats MP Ms Josephine Kapoma called for continued strengthening of youth empowerment systems to ensure more young people access capital and benefit from available opportunities.
