LocationsMore than a Degree: Preparing Tanzania’s Youth for Fast-Changing World.
June 1, 2026
Partnership in action: a moment that symbolizes a broader commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and preparing graduates to lead Tanzania's transformation.
Every year, thousands of eager Tanzanian graduates walk across university stages, degrees in hand, only to face a harsh reality: a steep barrier between academic success and securing a job. While there is no shortage of talent in the country, there has long been a missing bridge connecting classrooms to the actual job market.
To change this narrative, UNDP Tanzania and leading Higher Learning Institutions have joined forces. At a gathering in Dar es Salaam, the organizations signed MoUs aimed to dismantle these barriers, transforming the university experience into direct launchpad for careers and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on behalf of participating institutions, Prof. Anthony Mshandete, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research and Innovation at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, welcomed the partnership as an important step toward strengthening the connection between higher education and the labour market.
“This partnership demonstrates the value of bringing together academia, development partners, and industry to better prepare young people for the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world,” he said.
“Through this collaboration, we are strengthening the link between higher education and the labour market, ensuring that graduates leave our institutions equipped with the skills, experience, and mindset needed to contribute to national development and compete successfully in the future world of work.”
The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among university leaders, development practitioners, and private sector representatives on preparing graduates for the future world of work.
Building Bridges to Real-World Success
The job market is shifting faster than ever and traditional textbooks are no longer enough to guarantee a stable livelihood.
“Today’s graduates are entering a world of work that requires not only academic excellence but also adaptability, innovation, and practical experience,” said Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative. “Through this partnership, we are creating stronger bridges between learning and livelihoods, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s development journey.”
Rather than focusing solely on lecturers, the new partnership prioritises hands-on learning, direct mentorship and linking students with private sector companies early in their academic journeys.
"We are creating stronger bridges between learning and livelihoods." — Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative, speaking at the launch of the UNDP-Higher Learning Institutions partnership in Dar es Salaam
The Young talent Movement
At the heart of this initiative is the UNDP Young Talent Development Program. This platform is designed to get students and graduates out of the classroom and into real-world development environments, offering them professional mentorship, and career-building opportunities.
“We want to help young people move confidently from education into the world of work," explained Veronica Sigalla, UNDP Talent Development Manager. “By working closely with universities and industry partners, we are building an ecosystem that nurtures talent, strengthens employability, and prepares graduates for a competitive and dynamic labour market.”
The UNDP Young Talent Development Program extends learning beyond the classroom by connecting young people with mentorship, leadership opportunities, and community engagement. Student ambassadors, joined by Veronica Sigalla (front centre), participate in an outreach activity designed to empower and inspire future leaders.
Innovation in Action
The launch event wasn’t just about speeches and signatures, it showcased what is possible when young minds are given the right tools. Student founders and university innovation hubs set up exhibitions to display real world solutions they have already built, from local tech ventures to sustainable business models.
Student founders and innovation hub representatives participate in a panel discussion on the future of work, innovation ecosystems, and the role of Higher Learning Institutions in preparing graduates for emerging opportunities.
The ceremony also featured the handover of the DIT Competency Framework, a practical tool designed to help universities shift their curricula toward competency-based learning. This ensures that when a student graduates, they don’t just have a certificate – they have the specific, practical skills that Tanzanian employers are actively looking for.
Every framework begins with a conversation. This stakeholder consultation at DIT was among the sessions that informed the development of the DIT Competency Framework, culminating in its official handover and launch as a tool for advancing competency-based education.
Ultimately, this partnership represents a shared commitment between UNDP Tanzania and Higher Learning Institutions to ensure that graduates are not only academically qualified, but equipped with the competencies, networks, and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s sustainable development and economic transformation.
Representatives of UNDP Tanzania and partner Higher Learning Institutions pose for a group photo during the partnership launch.
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