SAVE the Children and Tanzania Bora Initiative (TBI) have launched a three-year Vijana Plus project targeting youth in seven regions of Tanzania mainland and five in Zanzibar. The initiative aims to empower young leaders and strengthen youth-led civil society organisations (CSOs).

Speaking at the launch in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Save the Children Executive Director Angela Kauleni said the project is designed to build the capacity of youth-led CSOs and create opportunities for young people to engage in development and decision-making processes.

“We believe that every child and youth deserves the opportunity to reach their dreams, participate in development and contribute to their communities,” she said.

She noted that many young leaders face challenges in decision-making and sustainable project design, which limits their potential. The Vijana Plus project will address these issues by equipping youth with the skills and knowledge to engage in good governance and social development.

“Save the Children is committed to working with the government to implement the revised 2024 National Youth Development Policy which builds on the 2007 framework and aligns with the National Vision 2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she added.

Kauleni highlighted that Vijana Plus will support key sectors such as digital transformation, climate change, the blue economy, natural resources and sustainable cities. It will also promote youth involvement in decision-making.

“This launch marks a new chapter in empowering youth to overcome challenges and build a sustainable future,” she said.

The project will offer training, skills development and grants to youth-led organisations, empowering young leaders to become innovative, confident, and capable decision-makers.

Patrobas Katambi, Deputy Minister for Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, praised Save the Children and TBI for initiating the project. He also acknowledged the European Union’s financial support, noting that the project will equip youth to become effective leaders.

Katambi said the project will reach youth in the following regions: Mwanza, Morogoro, Dodoma, Tanga, Mtwara, Kigoma and Mbeya in the mainland and five regions in Zanzibar.

“The project will engage 40 youth-led organisations and empower 150 young leaders with skills in leadership, innovation and self-employment,” he said.

“A total of around 700,000 youth will benefit from this project over the next three years,” HE added.

With 77 percent of Tanzania’s population under 35 and over 50 percent under 18, youth represent a significant demographic force.

Neema Bwaira is manager for Sivil society organisations and Youth Sounding Board (YSB), at the EU Office in Dar es Salaam which advises youth-led organisations to align their work with government policies for long-term sustainability.

“The EU is committed to economically empowering youth to help them achieve their dreams,” she said.

“Youth make up about 70percent of Tanzania’s population — we must engage them in policymaking.”