Tanzania, Italy partner to boost youth employment in Ruvuma

A collaborative initiative between Tanzania and Italy is set to enhance economic prospects and job creation for the youth, women, and individuals with disabilities in Tanzania's Ruvuma region. The "Jenga Uwezo na Ajira" (JUA) project, implemented by the Cooperative Paesi Emergenti (CoPE) organization, was officially launched in Songea municipality.

Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Brigedia Jenerali Ahmed Abbas Ahmed, emphasized the importance of this partnership, urging young people to actively participate in opportunities presented within agriculture, livestock keeping, and vocational trades. He highlighted that Italy's commitment extends to sharing expertise and knowledge across various sectors, providing a valuable avenue for skill development and economic empowerment.

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Italy has shown its willingness to assist various African countries through development projects aimed at exchanging experience, skills, and knowledge in different sectors, so young people must take full advantage of these opportunities.

Despite the available opportunities, Abbas noted a perceived low response from the youth towards agricultural, livestock, and vocational training programs. He called for a shift in mindset, encouraging greater engagement in productive activities to reduce poverty and foster economic self-reliance. The project aims to create meaningful employment and decent work for all, in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 8.

Italy's Ambassador to Tanzania, Giuseppe Sean Coppola, reiterated the project's focus on sustainable and inclusive economic development. He stated that the JUA project targets youth, women, and people with disabilities in Songea municipality, Songea rural, and Namtumbo district. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to improve policies that support production, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the growth of small and medium-sized businesses within the project areas. Eleonora Bolliger, the JUA Project Manager, added that Italy continues to support Tanzania's agricultural sector through various programs.

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The main goal of this project is to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth and ensure the availability of productive employment and decent work for all, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8).