Restless Development and the Prime Minister’s Office – Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability (PMO-LYED) Forge New Milestone for Youth Empowerment in Tanzania

A Landmark Agreement for Youth Empowerment

Dodoma, Tanzania – A new chapter in youth empowerment has been written today as Restless Development and the Prime Minister’s Office – Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability (PMO-LYED) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ministry’s offices in Dodoma. This landmark agreement solidifies a long-standing partnership aimed at equipping young people with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in Tanzania.

Mr. Linus Katonto, Country Director of Restless Development Tanzania, and Mr. Godfrey, Acting Director of Youth Department at PMO-LYED, proudly join hands in celebration after signing the MOU.

Government Recognition of Restless Development’s Contribution

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office – Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability, Mr. Godfrey, Acting Director of the Department of Youth, underscored the significance of the MoU, highlighting Restless Development’s consistent contributions towards youth development in Tanzania.

Restless Development has been an integral part of shaping policies and initiatives that benefit young people, from supporting the National Youth Week celebrations to actively engaging in the development of the new Education and Training Policy (2023 Edition) and the National Youth Development Policy. Their dedication to youth participation is commendable

Mr Godfrey, Acting Director of the Department of Youth

Strengthening a Decade-Long Partnership

The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both parties, including the Country Director of Restless Development Tanzania, the Senior Programme Manager, and officers from the ministry. The MoU builds on a collaboration that dates back to 2012, strengthening efforts to advance the national youth agenda and further embed youth leadership in Tanzania’s development framework.

A Commitment to Youth Leadership

Mr. Linus Katonto, Restless Development Country Director speaking on behalf of Restless Development, emphasized the significance of this partnership.

This MoU is a milestone in our mission to support young people in becoming leaders of change in their communities. We remain committed to ensuring that youth are at the forefront of development, shaping policies and initiatives that directly impact their lives

Mr Linus Katonto, Restless Development Country Director

Mr. Godfrey further highlighted how this collaboration is crucial in fostering an enabling environment for youth participation, employment creation, and skills development

The government recognizes the importance of working closely with youth-focused organizations like Restless Development to create opportunities that truly address young people’s needs. Together, we can ensure that youth voices are heard and acted upon in national decision-making spaces

Mr Godfrey, Acting Director of the Department of Youth

Key Areas of Collaboration

  • Support the establishment of the National Youth Council.
  • Enhance youth-led research to inform policy and programming.
  • Strengthen civic engagement and leadership training for young people.
  • Expand youth-friendly employment and livelihood programs.
Mr. Linus Katonto, Country Director of Restless Development Tanzania, and Mr. Godfrey, Acting Director of Youth Department at PMO-LYED, proudly hold the signed MOU alongside Mr. Badru Juma Rajabu and Mr. Godfrey Nyaisa, marking a significant step in youth empowerment.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Tanzanian Youth

By leveraging their respective strengths, Restless Development and the PMO-LYED aim to accelerate meaningful youth engagement across all sectors, ensuring that young people are not just beneficiaries but active contributors to Tanzania’s development.

This MoU marks a major step forward in creating a future where Tanzanian youth are empowered, skilled, and ready to take charge of their futures. As both parties embark on this strengthened partnership, the message is clear: when young people are given the tools to succeed, the whole nation benefits.