Vocational Education Reform is the centerpiece of a major new initiative in the Tanga Region. In its efforts to ensure that young people acquire skills that match the needs of today’s society, the Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN) Tanga has officially initiated the implementation of a comprehensive reform process at the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA). Known as the VETA Transformation, this strategic move aims to realign training curriculums directly with the evolving demands of the labor market.
High-Level Stakeholder Meeting: Initiating the Reform Process
High-level stakeholder engagement kicked off the first phase of this process with a key meeting held on 23 January 2026 at the VETA Chang’ombe offices in Dar es Salaam. The meeting brought together the leadership of GOYN Tanga, led by Directors Engineer Omar Bakari and Dr. Hassan Mshinda, alongside Project Coordinator Ms. Khadija Ali. They were joined by international experts including Ms. Alice Gugelev (Director, Global Development Incubator – GDI), Dr. Kevit Desai (Senior Advisor, GDI), and Mr. Ndung’u Kahihu (Director, CAPYEI). The team met with Dr. Hussein Omar, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and VETA Director General Mr. Anthony Kasore.
Labor Market Alignment: Three Key Stages of Transformation
Labor market alignment was agreed upon as the critical goal for VETA Tanga. All stakeholders concurred on transforming the institution into a catalyst for skills development that responds directly to real demands. The transformation process will be implemented through three key stages:
- Developing a transformation strategy.
- Mobilizing financial resources.
- Effectively overseeing the implementation of the reforms.
Transport and Logistics Skills: Assessing Industry Needs at Tanga Port
Transport and logistics skills are a specific focus area for the new strategy. To build strong systems that empower youth, a team of experts led by Engineer Omar Bakari held a meeting on 29 January 2026 with the Tanga Port Manager, Mr. Salehe Mbega. The meeting aimed to collect critical information on human resource and skills requirements in the sector. This data will form a key foundation for developing a strategy to improve the direction of training offered by VETA Tanga, ensuring graduates are job-ready for the region’s economic hubs.
Innovation and Technology Transfer: Insights from VETA Kipawa
Innovation and technology transfer were the themes of a benchmark visit to the VETA Kipawa Centre. Engineer Omar Bakari, accompanied by GDI experts, commended the centre’s conducive learning environment under the leadership of Dr. Abdallah Ngodu. He encouraged the leadership to further strengthen the application of innovations developed by students, ensuring they can be directly utilized within the community and the production sector.
SIDO Collaboration: Practical Training in Manufacturing
SIDO collaboration continues to yield practical results alongside the policy reforms. In partnership with the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) Tanga, GOYN Tanga provided specialized training in the production of cosmetic products, soap manufacturing, and food processing. Following the training, youth were equipped with tools and raw materials to begin production immediately. During a product exhibition, stakeholders from GDI were impressed by the milestones attained by these young entrepreneurs.
Creating an Enabling Environment for Youth Employment
Creating an enabling environment remains the mission of GOYN Tanga, a program implemented by HD Consulting & Associate. By strengthening collaboration between the education sector, the private sector, and development partners, the initiative ensures young people in Tanga utilize available opportunities to secure employment or become self-employed, contributing meaningfully to social and economic development.
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