The government of Tanzania, through the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), has partnered with Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) to provide skills training to 300 youths from low-income families. The three-year program, known as the Skills-First initiative, aims to equip the youths with practical skills in agriculture, increasing their chances of employment or self-employment. The program will cover various areas, including crop production, equipment maintenance, and agricultural machinery operation.
The partnership, signed on October 28, 2026, will see TBL sponsor the training, while VETA provides the technical expertise and certification. The trainees will also gain hands-on experience through agricultural activities, including working with local farmers who supply TBL with barley and maize. According to VETA's Director-General, CPA Anthony Kasore, the program will help bridge the skills gap in the agricultural sector and provide youths with market-relevant skills.
Agriculture is a vital sector in Tanzania's economy, contributing 26.3% to the country's GDP, according to the 2024 Economic Report. However, the sector's shift towards modern technology has increased the demand for skilled professionals who can operate and maintain machinery, improve production methods, and provide technical services. The Skills-First initiative aims to address this need and provide youths with skills that match the job market.
TBL's Managing Director, Michelle Kilpin, emphasized the importance of investing in youth skills training to strengthen the agricultural sector and increase economic opportunities for farmers and surrounding communities. The company's business growth is closely tied to the ability of farmers to produce high-quality crops, and investing in youth skills training will help create jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The program aligns with Tanzania's development goals, including the 2050 Development Vision and the 10/30 Agenda, which aims to grow the agricultural sector by 10% annually by 2030. The initiative also supports the Jenga Kesho Iliyo Bora program, which encourages youths to participate in agricultural businesses. According to Kasore, VETA has seen significant growth in student enrollment, with numbers increasing from 69,347 in 2022/23 to 116,468 in 2025/26.
The success of the Skills-First program will be measured not only by the number of youths trained but also by their ability to use their skills to become self-employed, start businesses, and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector. Kilpin emphasized that the program's impact will be evaluated based on its ability to create sustainable livelihoods for the trained youths.
The partnership between VETA and TBL is a significant step towards addressing the skills gap in Tanzania's agricultural sector. With the support of private sector partners, VETA aims to provide relevant skills training that meets the needs of the job market. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the 300 trained youths and their communities.
Key points
- The program will provide practical skills training in agriculture to 300 youths from low-income families.
- The initiative aims to increase employment and self-employment opportunities for youths in the agricultural sector.
- The program aligns with Tanzania's development goals, including the 2050 Development Vision and the 10/30 Agenda.
