Tanzania is rewriting its economic playbook, and this time, youth are holding the pen. In a bold move that signals a generational shift, the country has launched a $15 billion investment drive that places young people at the heart of its industrial and digital future. 

Announced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during an international business forum, the initiative aims to channel unprecedented capital into sectors where youth are already making a mark, from fintech and agritech to clean energy and digital services.

This youth-first strategy is not symbolic; it’s strategic. With over 60% of the population under the age of 30, Tanzania is seizing a demographic window of opportunity. Speaker of Parliament Dr. Tulia Akson stated that the Youth are no longer just the future, they are the drivers of today’s economic transformation. Said further emphasizes the importance of youth leadership in entrepreneurship and policy innovation.

Since 2020, Tanzania has seen a major upswing in foreign direct investment (FDI), rising from $2 billion to $5 billion by mid-2023. By the end of 2024, the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) had registered 901 new projects valued at over $9.3 billion, a nearly twofold increase from the previous year. The momentum is building, and youth innovation is fueling it.

A key focus of this investment push is fintech, a sector where young Tanzanian entrepreneurs are rapidly disrupting traditional services. Initiatives like PesaTech Demo Day have put youth-led startups in the spotlight, showcasing solutions that are expanding financial inclusion and powering small businesses through mobile payments, digital loans, and accounting apps. These platforms are not only attracting investor interest but also government backing.

To further support young changemakers, the government has increased targeted financing. In the 2023/24 fiscal year, 1.2 billion Tanzanian shillings were allocated to 57 youth groups through the Youth Fund. Additional grants and training programs have been extended to young farmers, fishers, and green energy entrepreneurs, ensuring the investment drive reaches grassroots innovators.

At the policy level, Tanzania is cutting red tape to unlock investment flow. The government is merging the TIC with the Export Processing Zones Authority to streamline services. New reforms are introducing online registrations, simplified licensing, and fast-tracked permits. Special Economic Zones and a newly created Diaspora Investment Centre aim to pull in both local and international investors. The second phase of the Business Environment Strengthening Programme (BEST) is underway to boost public-private collaboration.

The numbers tell a compelling story: domestic investors now account for 45% of registered capital, foreign investors 29%, and joint ventures 26%. Combined, these investments are projected to create over 230,000 new jobs, many of which are expected to be filled by young people.

Young Tanzanians are also calling for stronger support systems, including access to affordable internet, reliable power, and a shift toward skills-based education. They’re also demanding policy consistency to build confidence among youth innovators and foreign partners alike.

This $15 billion plan is more than a financial target. It represents a national vision, one where economic growth is inseparable from youth empowerment. As Tanzania charts a path toward becoming one of Africa’s top five investment destinations, it is betting on the creativity, resilience, and ambition of its youth to carry the country into a new economic era.