UNIVERSITIES across Tanzania have been urged to prioritise the introduction of incubation and apprenticeship programmes to cultivate graduates who are not only self-employable but also capable of creating jobs for others.

Deputy minister of Industry and Trade, Exaud Kigahe made the call in Dar es Salaam over the weekend when speaking at a conference themed: ‘Innovation and entrepreneurship for sustainable employment,’  which was organised by the College of Business Education (CBE).

Kigahe commended CBE for its foresight in introducing business incubation and apprenticeship programmes, recognising them as catalysts for building practical skills among students and directly connecting them with potential employers. He highlighted that business incubation empowers youth to develop innovative ideas into viable businesses, thereby generating employment opportunities for their peers. Similarly, the apprenticeship program has successfully immersed CBE students in real work environments, allowing them to gain practical experience before graduation.

"These programs are very important, so universities in the country should emulate the CBE model because it has shown great success in graduates being employed early due to having the skills needed by many to become self-employed," he emphasised.

He affirmed the Ministry of Industry and Trade's commitment to fostering more employment opportunities through collaboration with the private sector and educational institutions like CBE. "We are ensuring an investor-friendly environment to increase industrial production, increase trade, and ultimately expand the scope of employment for Tanzanian youth,” he stated.

Kigahe encouraged employers and business stakeholders to work closely with educational institutions to establish a system that effectively prepares graduates to meet real market demands. He stressed that industries should actively contribute to national development by providing jobs and supporting technical training to enhance the skills of the workforce. The sixth-phase government, he added, will continue its collaboration with the private sector to create an optimal environment for youth employment and training.

“We must build a strong bridge between education and employment, to ensure that our nation continues to have a quality, knowledgeable, and globally competitive workforce,” the minister's speech concluded. “When we invest in education that focuses on skills and innovation, we build the foundation for a strong economy that relies on a knowledgeable and self-employed workforce. On that basis, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to collaborate with CBE in ensuring that this Conference becomes a permanent platform for developing jobs and building the National Economy.”

Severine Mushi, chairperson of Kariakoo Market Traders, advised students to wisely save their earnings for investment rather than spending on luxuries, encouraging them to become entrepreneurs. He shared that Kariakoo traders have established a savings and loan association with a fund of 600m/- to provide loans for business ventures.

“I have been seeing you holding very expensive birthday parties but if you abandon that habit and invest that money it will help you as your capital when you finish college education, and if you come to Kariakoo I will guide you on how to start a business,” Mushi offered. He further invited them, "I have been a trader in Kariakoo for 20 years now so I ask you to bring even a small amount and come and we will teach you how to do business, we will connect you with other honest traders so that you will not be conned by hooligans.”