Youth forum set to focus on gas sector

Guy Ryder, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director General

As increasingly more foreign countries invest in the country’s natural gas sector the government has announced that it is working intently on ways to empower the nation’s youth so that they too benefit from the country’s resources.

These efforts are expected to take centre stage at today’s youth forum in Dar es Salaam where Vice President Dr Mohamed Ghalib Bilal will be officiating and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director General, Guy Ryder is expected to attend, his first trip to Africa.


“We’re putting in place measures by which indigenous Tanzanians will benefit. In Lindi and Mtwara…some have been sponsored to pursue gas related courses abroad,” Labour and Employment Minister Gaudencia Kabaka said early this week.

The minister said in line with the plan to equip youth with necessary skills, those who have no formal education will be empowered with entrepreneurial skills to be employed in the natural gas resources.

“We will not entertain to see investors outsource all the required services…they are importing even vegetables…this is why we intend to prepare our youth...the programs will start soon,’’ she said.

Policy Research for Development, Repoa Executive Director, Prof Samwel Wangwe underscored that the forum will pave way for regional and district officers to discuss youth unemployment challenges.

The forum will also attended by various government institutions, representatives from private sector, civil societies, academicians, development partners, ambassadors and representatives of international organisations, representatives of youth groups and representatives of disabled groups.

Themed: ‘Jobs for Youths: It is time to practice’ the forum brings together various stakeholders to deliberate opportunities and challenges emerging in the employment industry.