Following the successful pre-event engagements and national mobilization efforts that brought together youth organizations, development partners, government institutions, and civil society actors, the Tanzania Youth Development Forum (TYDF) 2026 culminated in a landmark national gathering that reinforced the central role of young people in shaping Tanzania’s future. The forum built upon months of preparation and collaboration, creating a powerful platform where youth voices, ideas, and aspirations were elevated and connected directly to national development priorities. Held under the theme: “5 Years of TYDF: Reflecting on and Celebrating the Invaluable Contribution of Youth to the Sustainable Development of Our Nation,” The forum brought together more than 600 young leaders, policymakers, government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and community stakeholders from across Tanzania. The event served as both a celebration of five years of youth engagement and a strategic platform for advancing meaningful youth participation in governance, innovation, peacebuilding, employment, and sustainable development.
National platform connecting youth voices to policy, innovation and action
By Communication team
TYDF 2026 was made possible through the leadership of the Tanzania Youth Development Organization (DOYODO) and the collective support of a diverse network of partners dedicated to advancing youth development and expanding opportunities for young people across Tanzania. The forum brought together the expertise, resources, and contributions of organizations including Global Impact Transformation (GIT), UNFPA Tanzania, Plan International, CARE Tanzania, Amref Tanzania, CAMFED, Tanzania Leadership Foundation, Emerging Youth Initiative, Save the Children Tanzania, Afriyan, MSI Tanzania, VETA, NSSF Tanzania, Ladies Joint Forum, NACONGO, YAS Tanzania, Global Platform, DSW, BRAC, Ennaso, UMATI, African Leadership Initiative, and the EU Youth Sounding Board Tanzania. Their collaboration helped create a vibrant platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, innovation, networking, and partnership building among young people and key stakeholders.
It was also honored by the participation of distinguished national leaders whose engagement strengthened the forum as a platform for learning, collaboration, and shared aspirations for the future.
Among the senior leaders who attended the forum were:
Hon. Joel Arthur Nanauka, Minister in the President’s Office responsible for Youth Development;
Hon. Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups;
Hon. Patrobas Katambi, Minister of Home Affairs;
Hon. Ayoub Mohamed Mahmoud, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs;
Hon. Aisha Msantu, Member of Parliament representing youth interests.
The forum featured a dynamic series of activities designed to foster dialogue, collaboration, and action-oriented engagement among youth and key stakeholders.The event commenced with a vibrant TYDF Fun Run, attracting more than 300 participants from different sectors and regions. The activity promoted wellness, unity, active citizenship, and public awareness on the importance of youth participation in development initiatives.
This was followed by three days of high-level discussions, thematic panels, networking opportunities, policy dialogues, exhibitions, and collaborative sessions focused on:
- Youth leadership and governance;
- Employment and entrepreneurship;
- Innovation and digital transformation;
- Inclusion and participation of marginalized groups;
- Peacebuilding and social cohesion;
- Youth engagement in national decision-making processes.
Throughout the forum, participants emphasized the importance of creating enabling environments that allow young people to contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s development agenda and to realize their full potential as leaders and innovators.
Global Impact Transformation Takes Center Stage on Youth Peace and Security
A significant highlight of TYDF 2026 was the participation of Global Impact Transformation (GIT)? in a high-level panel discussion on: “Youth Participation in Peace and Security Processes” Representing GIT, Executive Director Ms. Sylivia Mkomwa contributed to critical discussions on the role of young people in promoting peace, preventing conflict, strengthening social cohesion, and contributing to national and regional security efforts.
The panel brought together senior government leaders, including Hon. Patrobas Katambi, Minister of Home Affairs, alongside development practitioners, civil society actors, and youth leaders committed to advancing youth participation in peace and security processes.
During the discussion, GIT highlighted the importance of:
- Investing in youth leadership for peace;
- Strengthening youth participation in decision-making;
- Supporting youth-led peacebuilding initiatives;
- Promoting inclusive governance and civic engagement;
- Building resilient communities through youth and women empowerment.
The session reaffirmed that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development efforts but essential actors in creating peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies.
Key Outcomes and Resolutions
One of the most important achievements of TYDF 2026 was the development of a set of collective resolutions and recommendations generated through inclusive dialogue among participants and stakeholders.
The resolutions focused on:
- Strengthening youth representation in governance structures;
- Expanding employment and economic opportunities for young people;
- Enhancing access to education, innovation, and digital technologies;
- Increasing youth participation in peace and security initiatives;
- Promoting inclusive development that leaves no one behind.
These recommendations were formally presented to Hon. Joel Arthur Nanauka from the President’s Office responsible for Youth Development, marking an important step toward translating youth priorities into actionable national commitments.
Looking Ahead
As Tanzania continues its journey toward sustainable development, TYDF 2026 demonstrated that meaningful youth participation is not optional it is essential.The forum reaffirmed the importance of investing in youth leadership, strengthening partnerships, and creating spaces where young people can contribute to shaping policies, driving innovation, and building peaceful and resilient communities. For Global Impact Transformation, participation in TYDF 2026 reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering young people, promoting inclusive governance, advancing peacebuilding, and expanding opportunities for youth, women, and marginalized communities.
Guided by our slogan:“Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives,”we remain committed to working alongside government institutions, development partners, and communities to ensure that young people continue to be at the forefront of building a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Tanzania for all.
Global Impact Transformation (GIT) welcomes collaboration with development partners, government institutions, civil society organizations, academic institutions, foundations, private sector actors, and youth-led initiatives committed to expanding opportunities, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable impact across communities.
For partnerships, sponsorships, media inquiries, or program collaboration, please contact: info@globalimpacttransformation.org
