Tanzania Urges University Students to Pursue Economic Opportunities Before Graduation

Tanzania’s government has called on university student leaders to increase efforts to expose young people to economic opportunities while they are still studying, as it seeks to improve their prospects for employment and entrepreneurship after graduation.

Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups Dorothy Gwajima said the Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions Students Organisation (TAHLISO) should organise forums that provide students with information about available opportunities while helping them change attitudes that could limit their economic prospects.

Gwajima made the remarks in Dar es Salaam on Friday, September 18, during talks with representatives of the national students’ organisation.

She said university students should be better informed about government programmes designed to support young people economically, arguing that such opportunities can help them begin building livelihoods while studying rather than waiting until after graduation.

According to Gwajima, one of the challenges facing young Tanzanians is their limited ability to meet requirements demanded by financial institutions, alongside inadequate access to reliable information about financing and other economic opportunities.

She urged TAHILISO to become a bridge between students and opportunities available through the government and private sector.

The minister also raised concerns about social pressures facing university students, saying some young people become involved in peer groups and activities that can divert them from their education and longer-term goals.

She said deliberate efforts were therefore needed to provide students with greater awareness about personal development, decision-making and the importance of establishing clear life goals while still at university.

Gwajima also called on TAHILISO to promote greater use of gender desks at higher-learning institutions.

She said the facilities could help students access information and support related to preventing and responding to gender-based violence on campuses.

TAHILISO representative Beatrice Mwahegili said the organisation would continue encouraging university students to identify and take advantage of economic opportunities.

She said the objective was to help students strengthen their financial position both during and after university, including by developing businesses capable of creating employment for themselves and others.

The government’s message comes as Tanzania continues to place greater emphasis on youth entrepreneurship and self-employment alongside conventional employment, particularly for the growing number of young people entering the labour market after completing higher education.