STRENGTHENING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN THE BLUE ECONOMY

The “Strengthening Youth Participation in the Blue Economy” program, led by the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) Youth Wing, was implemented from May 29 to June 4, 2025, across Unguja and Pemba islands. The initiative aimed to equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to actively participate in Zanzibar’s thriving blue economy, which contributes over 29% to the region's GDP and employs about one-third of its workforce. The program brought together 245 participants, including 200 youth and 45 stakeholders from government, financial institutions, and development partners, offering a unique blend of policy engagement, technical training, and investment facilitation.

The program featured three major components: a high-level policy dialogue, hands-on technical training in seaweed processing, and a fair for investment opportunities and access to finance. The policy dialogue convened youth, policymakers, and sector experts to explore systemic challenges and opportunities in the blue economy. Participants addressed critical issues such as the lack of practical skills, limited financing access, and inadequate youth representation in policymaking. The discussions generated actionable recommendations for inclusive policy reform and program design.

The program achieved significant outcomes in enhancing technical capacity, promoting gender-inclusive participation, and strengthening institutional linkages. With young women making up 86% of all youth beneficiaries, the initiative reaffirmed the importance of inclusive development and youth empowerment in Zanzibar’s blue economy. By providing practical training, policy engagement, and access to finance, the program has laid a strong foundation for sustainable, youth-driven economic growth in the region.