Tanzania is experiencing a rapid youth bulge, with young people making up over 60% of the population. Each year, more than 1 million youth enter the labor market, yet the economy creates only about 40,000 formal jobs (Source: World Bank). This mismatch leaves many graduates unemployed or underemployed, not because they lack education, but because they lack the practical, 21st-century employability skills that employers demand.

• Skills gap: While graduates hold academic qualifications, many lack critical 21st-century skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy.
• Employer expectations: Studies show that employers in Tanzania often struggle to find entry-level staff who can adapt quickly, work collaboratively, and apply knowledge practically.
• Unemployment pressures: Youth unemployment in Tanzania is estimated at 13.7% (Source: World Bank), with graduates particularly vulnerable due to limited work experience.
• Global context: By 2030, half of all jobs worldwide are expected to require advanced problem-solving and digital skills. Without targeted interventions, Tanzanian graduates risk being excluded from opportunities in both local and international labor markets.

Lack of practical skills training leaves graduates unprepared for the workforce, contributing to persistent unemployment and limiting Tanzania’s economic growth.