from ALLOYCE KIMBUNGA in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Tanzania Bureau
DAR-ES-SALAAM, (CAJ News) – THE private sector and non-governmental organisations have partnered to equip Tanzanian youth with the much-needed digital skills.
Youth mostly in the coastal region of Tanga are to benefit from the partnerships that also aim to train the youth and women to leverage technology to boost sustainable waste management.
Projects are under the aegis of the Tanga Yetu programme.
Swahili Digital ICT Limited and Tanga City Council (TCC) are leading the Kidijitali project, a digital skills initiative to boost sustainable entrepreneurship.
Swahili Digital is a Tanzanian global system for mobile communications (GSM)/ code-division multiple access (CDMA) content development company.
With TCC, through this 12-month project, they aim to train 250 youth in digital marketing, e-commerce, and business development.
A digital innovation hub is to be established to provide ongoing access to tools and mentorship, with a goal of supporting the launch of at least 100 youth-led online businesses.
“Digital skills are no longer a luxury. They are essential for survival and growth in today’s economy,” said Gillsant Mlaseko, Director of Swahili Digital.
“With the support of TangaYetu, we are helping youth move from passive consumers of technology to active innovators, job creators and online entrepreneurs.”
TakaNiAjira Foundation and Zaidi Recyclers are implementing the 18-month Kijana na Mazingira project, centred on technology to address waste management.
Engaging 200 young people, 50 percent of them women, it leverages digital tools such as the Zaidi App to promote recycling and generate income for youth.
“With digital tools and community mobilisation, we’re giving young people the power to lead change at the grassroots,” said Franken Kalongole, TakaNiAjira Foundation co-founder.
– CAJ News