Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL), in partnership with the National College of Tourism (NCT), has successfully hosted the first graduation ceremony for students of a hospitality training initiative under SBL’s ‘Learning for Life’ program.

The initiative aims to equip young Tanzanians with practical hospitality skills to thrive in the dynamic tourism and service industries.

The ceremony, held at the NCT campus in Dar es Salaam, brought together 109 graduating students, key industry stakeholders, and government officials. Hon. Edward Mpogolo, Ilala District Commissioner, officiated the event as Guest of Honour, while Hon. Dr. Pindi Hazara Chana (MP), Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, attended as Special Guest.

The program, which began in September last year, is part of SBL’s broader Society 2030: Spirit of Progress sustainability strategy. It focuses on empowering youth with a mix of hands-on training, classroom instruction, and internship placements designed to prepare them for immediate employment in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Speaking during the event,  Dr. Pindi Chana underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving national development goals through inclusive tourism “Tourism is more than just travel – it is an engine for inclusive economic growth, youth employment, and cultural exchange.

 Tanzania is targeting to welcome 5 million tourists annually, and initiatives like these ensure we are building the right human capital to support that vision.”

She highlighted new packages in Tanzania’s tourism strategy, including food tourism, aimed at promoting Tanzania’s culinary diversity.

“Tourists today seek authentic experiences. We are now introducing traditional Tanzanian cuisines — ‘vyakula vya asili’ — as part of the tourism experience. From fresh farm-to-table foods free from harmful chemicals, to unique regional dishes, food tourism will allow visitors to connect with our culture while boosting local economies,” she noted.

Dr. Chana also emphasized that tourism must be sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to local communities, and congratulated SBL and NCT for their forward-thinking program.

“This collaboration represents the kind of innovation we need — where young people are trained not just for jobs, but for lifelong careers that uphold Tanzania’s values of excellence, culture, and hospitality,” she added.

Hon. Edward Mpogolo, Ilala District Commissioner, applauded the initiative for complementing government efforts to grow the tourism sector:
“The hospitality and tourism sector in Tanzania holds immense potential for job creation and national growth. Programs like this are not only sk

illing our youth but directly supporting the government’s vision to transform tourism into an inclusive and sustainable engine of development.

 I commend SBL and NCT for their commitment to empowering young Tanzanians with practical tools to succeed.”

The program delivered training in communication, leadership, personal branding, budgeting, time management, and customer service. Through the Diageo Bar Academy, students also learned mixology, bar operations, and premium customer care. To ensure sustainability, SBL also introduced a Training of Trainers (ToT) component to empower NCT instructors for future cohorts.

Managing Director of SBL , Dr. Obinna Anyalebechi stated“This graduation is not just a celebration of academic success – it’s a moment of transformation. We are incredibly proud of these students and grateful to our partners at NCT. Through Learning for Life, we are opening doors to employment and empowering youth with the skills to thrive in Tanzania’s fast-growing tourism and hospitality sector.”

Deputy Principal of NCT, Jessica William praised the initiative “This program has opened doors for our students. It goes beyond the classroom to give them real-life exposure, boost their confidence, and prepare them to meet the expectations of today’s hospitality employers. We are proud of this collaboration and look forward to scaling its impact further.”

This graduation marks not just a milestone for students but a demonstration of what strategic public-private partnerships can achieve in supporting Tanzania’s development. SBL remains committed to uplifting communities and strengthening the local workforce through inclusive, sustainable programs