UDSM–Mtajirishaji Pact Sets Bold Agenda to Turn Knowledge into Jobs for Tanzania’s Youth
By Renancy Remmy, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has entered into a strategic partnership with Mtajirishaji Media Group Enterprises (MMGE) aimed at transforming academic knowledge into practical economic opportunities, with a strong focus on youth entrepreneurship, job creation, and community empowerment across Tanzania.
The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UDSM on 31st December, 2025, bringing together the University’s research and innovation strengths and MMGE’s hands-on experience in enterprise development and business incubation.
The partnership seeks to bridge the long-standing gap between academic research and real-world economic impact, particularly for young entrepreneurs and small-scale business operators.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof. William Anangisye, said the partnership underscores the University’s commitment to serving society beyond the classroom.
“This MoU is about translating knowledge into action. As a public institution, UDSM has a responsibility to ensure that its research, innovations and expertise directly address unemployment, poverty and the economic challenges facing our young people”, said Prof. Anangisye.
He explained that the collaboration will focus on several priority areas designed to deliver measurable socio-economic outcomes. One key area is the formalisation and development of street food vendors, commonly known as Mama Ntilie, through structured training in business management, hygiene standards, record keeping and access to appropriate systems that can help their enterprises grow sustainably.
Another major pillar of the partnership is youth employment and entrepreneurship, where UDSM and MMGE will jointly promote practical skills development, innovation and mentorship to support self-employment and the growth of youth-led enterprises.
“We want to equip young people not just with academic qualifications, but with practical, market-driven skills that enable them to create jobs for themselves and others”, Prof. Anangisye added.
The MoU also places strong emphasis on mineral value addition, particularly in kaolin processing and gold formalisation. Through the application of modern technology, research and formal systems, the initiative aims to maximise local benefits from Tanzania’s mineral resources while promoting safer, more productive and legally compliant practices in the sector.
Timely intervention aligned with national development priorities
On his part, Mr. Edmund Libent Kaiza, Co-Founder of Mtajirishaji Media Group Enterprises, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a timely intervention aligned with national development priorities.
“This collaboration with UDSM brings together knowledge, innovation and practical business experience. We are committed to empowering communities, strengthening small and medium enterprises, and nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs who can drive sustainable economic growth”, said Mr. Kaiza.
UDSM noted that implementation of the agreed projects will draw expertise from its Directorate of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the School of Mines and Geosciences, as well as relevant science, engineering and business-related departments.
Both UDSM and MMGE reaffirmed that the partnership is designed to ensure research outputs and innovations are translated into tangible economic benefits for communities and the nation at large. The collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to Tanzania’s broader agenda of inclusive growth, youth empowerment and sustainable national development.