Title: Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Among Tanzanian Youth: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Practical Skills. A case study of Iringa Urban.
Authors: Yohana Tweve
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Pages: 590-601
Publication Date: 2025/03/28
Abstract:
- Tanzania's youth unemployment crisis underscores the urgency to align education with entrepreneurial skill development, yet systemic gaps persist between formal curricula and real-world economic demands. This study, titled Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Among Tanzanian Youth: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Practical Skills, investigates these challenges through a mixed-methods case study of Iringa Urban, a mid-sized city grappling with high youth unemployment despite its agrarian-informal economic base. Drawing on surveys (n=300 youth), stakeholder interviews (n=15), focus group discussions (n=36), and document analysis, the research reveals critical misalignments: 80% of youth expressed entrepreneurial aspirations, yet only 20% of ventures survived beyond two years due to skill gaps, scarce mentorship, and socio-cultural barriers. Key findings highlight systemic weaknesses: theoretical curricula lacking practical training (30% relevance), limited digital literacy (35% proficiency), and gendered resource disparities (65% female disadvantage). Cultural stigmas against vocational trades (60%) and perceived entrepreneurial risk (70%) further stifled youth potential. Ecosystem support-such as access to seed funding (15%) and market linkages (25%)-remained fragmented, exacerbating vulnerabilities in informal sectors. The study underscores the need for context-specific interventions. It advocates integrating hands-on entrepreneurship modules into education, establishing mentorship networks, and leveraging digital tools to bridge urban-rural divides. Policy reforms must prioritize decentralized funding, gender-inclusive programs, and public-private partnerships to strengthen market access. By addressing Tanzania's education-skills disconnect and cultural barriers, this research contributes actionable strategies to transform youth from job seekers into innovators, fostering inclusive economic resilience. This case study offers a model for secondary cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the role of localized solutions in harnessing demographic dividends. Recommendations urge stakeholders to align national policies with grassroots realities, ensuring education systems empower youth to thrive in dynamic, informal economies.