Wiring the Future: How Vocational Skills are Sparking Peace and Opportunity for Tanzania’s Youth

September 9, 2026

Large group of diverse people posing for a photo in an event hall, blue and yellow banners behind. — Youth participants gather at VETA Mtwara during the launch of the programe, marking the beginning of a journey that combines skills, entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding.

Nelson Sumari / UNDP Tanzania

For many young people, peace isn’t just the absence of conflict - it’s the presence of opportunity. It is the ability to secure a job, start a business, support a family, and contribute positively to their community. In Tanzania's southern regions, where unemployment remains a hurdle for young graduates, the Dumisha Amani II initiative is turning that potential into reality.

Funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF), China Government and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Government of Tanzania through VETA, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Ltd. (CPP), the programme equips 240 young people across Mtwara, Lindi, Ruvuma and Kigoma with practical trades and peacebuilding skills.

Investing in Youth, Investing in Peace

After weeks of intensive, hands-on training, the Mtwara cohort returned to the VETA centre for their official graduation ceremony. Joined by the local and international partners, the milestone event was officiated by the UNDP Resident Representative, Shigeki Komatsubara and the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Chen Mingjian. Similar graduation ceremonies were held in Kigoma, Songea and Lindi regions.

At the heart of the initiative are the graduates themselves, eager to step into the workforce. The graduation celebrated participants mastering high demand trades, from electrical work and laboratory technology to cookery and event decoration – many of which are tied to Tanzania’s growing blue economy.

Focused on every stitch, tailoring trainees at Songea in Tanzania take part in a practical sewing session, transforming classroom learning into valuable hands-on experience.

A pastry trainee demonstrates her cake decorating skills during a practical session under the Dumisha Amani II in Kigoma Region, Tanzania, highlighting the talent, creativity, and confidence nurtured through hands-on learning.

Mechanical trainees in Songea Region, Tanzania, work together on a vehicle engine during a practical session, reflecting their commitment to mastering the skills needed for success in the automotive industry.

Smiles of hope and determination—young participants celebrate the start of a journey that combines skills, entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Group of staff and students posing in front of an Administration Block building.

A vibrant moment as trainees from various courses under the Dumisha Amani II Training come together, showcasing the energy, determination, and potential of young people building their futures through skills development.

Group of people observing a demonstration; two workers in safety uniforms by a table with cables.

An electrical trainee explains his practical work to H.E. Ambassador Chen Mingjian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Tanzania, and Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania, showcasing the skills, progress, and potential of youth participating in the Dumisha Amani II Training.

More Than Training—A Pathway to Opportunity

Dayana Petro, a young woman from Lindi region, enrolled in the CCTV, Camera Installation and Maintenance course under the Electrical Installation program. Stepping into a traditionally male-dominated field didn’t deter her. “Not so many women undertake electrical courses, but I believe this is good for me,” Dayana shared. “I am more confident and I have the skills to start my own business and secure my future.”

Dayana’s story reflects the programme’s deep commitment to inclusion. Of the 240 participants 152 are young women and 88 are young men. This drive for gender equality extends across the entire project. In Songea, the VETA training specifically welcomed single young mothers, giving then a vital second chance to build careers. By offering these mothers practical, income-generating skills, the initiative is actively helping to break generational cycles of poverty and proving that inclusive economic growth is possible for everyone.

The Strong Connection Between Peace and Development

Dumisha Amani II operates on a simple premise: peace and development are inseparable. Participants didn’t just learn technical skills; they received training in entrepreneurship, financial management and peacebuilding.

Speaking on the impact of this dual approach, Ms. Alphoncina Mshana, Senior Curriculum Development Officer at VETA, noted that empowering young people with practical skills remains one of the most effective ways to promote sustainable development and social stability. She explained that when young people gain access to employment and income-generating opportunities, they become productive contributors to society and less vulnerable to activities that threaten peace and stability.

UNDP Project Manager Lin Chen reinforced this vision, highlighting the program equips youth with two powerful tools: peacebuilding and practical vocational skills. “Participants learn how to prevent conflict, promote tolerance, strengthen social cohesion, and become ambassadors of unity in their communities while simultaneously gaining skills that can generate income,” Chen said, adding powerful reminder: “Young people are not only leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today.”

Partners gather during the launch of the Dumisha Amani II Training in Mtwara, celebrating the collective efforts to promote learning, skills development, and youth empowerment.

Group of people around a table with a red donation box; some wear reflective vests.

Turning local resources into opportunity—facilitator demonstrates the production of seaweed-based organic fertilizer to participants, showcasing how Dumisha Amani II is equipping young people with innovative skills linked to Mtwara’s growing blue economy.

Group of people in white aprons pose behind a long table with food; central woman in pink dress.

A moment of inspiration and achievement as Project Manager Lin Chen engages with women trainees at the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Mtwara Region, Tanzania, during the Dumisha Amani II cooking skills training.

Group of students and adults in a classroom during a ceremony; man in suit presents to girl in red.

Electrical trainees in Mtwara Region, Tanzania, stand with representatives from CPP, GPF, and VETA, showcasing how strong partnerships are empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to succeed in the world of work.

A plumbing trainee in Songea Region, Tanzania, demonstrates the installation and operation of a gun sprinkler system, showcasing practical skills that support efficient irrigation and sustainable agricultural production.

A Partnership Creating Opportunities

Addressing graduates, Ambassador Chen Mingjian highlighted the power of this international partnership to drive real change on the ground.

“Dumisha Amani II stands as an exemplar of tripartite cooperation among China, the UN and Tanzania,” Ambassador Mingjian stated. “China will continue to promote social security and development of Tanzania through bilateral and multilateral cooperation.”

The UNDP Representative Shigeki Komatsubara echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that when young people have hope and purpose, they become innovators capable of transforming their communities.

Local leadership also weighed in with a strong call to action. The Mtwara Regional Commissioner, Hon. Col. Donald Msengi challenged the graduates to look beyond their new qualifications and transform their knowledge into real products, services and businesses. Crucially, he called on the private sector and financial institutions to step up and support these young entrepreneurs with capital, equipment and market access so their new skills can truly take root.

Partners like CPP are already answering that call. Having previously trained 435 young people and provided scholarships to 64 beneficiaries, facilitated industrial training opportunities for 102 trainees, and built the capacity of 27 instructors in specialized technical fields. CPP is now helping extend this vital training to 180 more youths in the Southern Regions.

As the Dumisha Amani II vocational training graduates step out of the classroom, they carry more than just a certificate and technical know-how. They carry the confidence to shatter gender barriers, the entrepreneurial spirit to build local economies and the tools to foster lasting peace in their communities.

As participants learn new technical skills, explore entrepreneurship, and engage in peacebuilding activities, they are also helping shape a broader vision 2050 for Tanzania—one where young people are equipped to drive economic transformation while strengthening unity and social cohesion.

By investing in youth today, Dumisha Amani II is helping build stronger communities, more resilient livelihoods, and a more peaceful future for tomorrow.