THE government has emphasized the critical link between national security and the well-being of the youth, demanding sustained investment in key sectors promoting job creation and long-term stability.

Patrobas Katambi, the Labour, Youth, Employment and People with Disabilities deputy state minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), made the remarks in Dar es Salaam on Thursday at a conference examining the relevance of Chinese modernisation for African development.

Addressing the needs of young people, particularly in employment opportunities, is essential for national security, he said, asserting that by focusing on agriculture, science, innovation, entrepreneurship and fisheries, the government is creating pathways for the youth to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

“This investment in job creation is not just about economic growth; it’s about ensuring the security and well-being of our nation. The prosperity of our youth is the foundation of our future,” he declared,

He said that since 2021, the government has committed over 2.8trn/- to various initiatives that widen employment opportunities, benefitting more than 24m people. “This effort demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating a robust economy where young people actively shape the future,’ he said.

National security demands provide young people with the skills and resources they need to build sustainable occupations, fostering a more secure and prosperous future, he stated.

While the government has taken measures to address youth employment challenges, young people must change fixed mindsets and work hard for personal and national progress, he said, insisting that there is no magic to success but hard work.

Youths must dedicate themselves to work, he said, affirming that Tanzanian cooperation with China across various sectors is for mutual benefit. The two countries will be friends of all seasons, enjoying a comprehensive partnership, “which must be advanced as we work to improve living standards,” he said.

He said that President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Xi Jinping are committed to strengthening these relations, citing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as essential to Tanzania’s development strategies.

The minister stressed on a robust digital economy to drive industrialisation and agricultural modernisation, with a focus on green technology and sustainable rural development, pointing at China’s success in lifting millions out of poverty.

China has ongoing commitment to sustainable growth as key achievements that African nations could adapt to their own needs, he stated at the conference organised by the Centre for International Policy (CIP) Africa, a local think tank working to boost China-Africa ties.

Chen Mingjian, the resident Chinese ambassador, underlined the strengthening of China’s ties with Tanzania and Africa over recent decades, driven by shared goals in agriculture, infrastructure and digital development.

Since 1988, China has played a key role in supporting Tanzanian agriculture, boosting sectors like dairy production and sustainable farming, she said, affirming that Africa and China are not just economic partners but share a profound and historic relationship.

As Africa’s largest trading partner and a leading player in infrastructure development across the continent, partnership with China is also evident in the growth of Tanzania’s agricultural exports to China, including avocados and cotton, vital new markets for farmers, she further noted.

Meanwhile, China continues to support Tanzania’s modernisation efforts through infrastructure investment, including transport and communication networks, which are vital for the nation’s economic progress.

“We stand ready to work with all nations, especially Tanzania, to address shared challenges and seize growth opportunities,” she said, stressing China’s focus on cooperation rather than competition.

Ambassador Chen also noted that China’s successful modernisation model is unique and provides inspiration for developing nations seeking rapid, independent growth.

Omar Mjenga, the CIP president, hailed China’s enduring friendship with Tanzania, pointing at President Xi’s 2013 visit to Tanzania as a milestone in bilateral relations.

Both sides emphasized their commitment to mutual development, with a special focus on poverty reduction and shared prosperity, he said, noting that the shared vision of a China-Africa community with a shared future “promises to pave the way for a new era of partnership that benefits all.”

Africa’s influence in global affairs was growing, reflecting the continent’s emerging role in shaping the future of international trade and development, participants noted.