#EU4YOUTH: European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen meets with Tanzanian youth and launches a Youth Action Plan!

Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, accompanied by Mr. Hans Stausboll, Director for Africa at the European Commission, engaged in a number of initiatives targeting youth in Tanzania.

During a reception organised at the EU Residence, Commissioner Urpilainen had the opportunity to meet with some of the investees of an EU-funded project called “Funguo”, “the key” in Swahili, referring to its potential to unlock investments. Under this project, the call for applications targeted Tanzanian impact- driven start-ups and innovative SMEs with growth potential. Yesterday, the first cohort of 26 successful innovative businesses from across the country were unveiled. They emanate from key sectors ranging from agriculture, tourism, fishery, health, and education, securing a total of 1.6 Billion TZS (approx. 750,000 EUR) grants. The Commissioner’s interactions at the special exhibition provided her a glimpse into the fundamental impact youth start-ups are making in the country.

At the event, Commissioner Urpilainen launched the EU Youth Action plan and the EU-Africa youth campaign – labelled as “We See Africa” – in Tanzania. The event was attended by EU Ambassadors in Tanzania, civil society and young Tanzanian champions and influencers. It was enhanced by a special performance by the Umoja Residency Artists – a fusion group of African and European artists.

The first ever EU Youth Action Plan (YAP) was launched early this month in Brussels, and today Commissioner Urpilainen had the pleasure to launch it in Tanzania. The YAP provides a roadmap and policy framework for the EU to engage in strategic partnerships with young people around the world. The event then culminated with the official launch of the We See Africa campaign in Tanzania. The campaign will provide better understanding, especially to young Tanzanians, on EU programmes and investments, through inspiring stories of EU beneficiaries and creative engagements.

Ms Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, said: “It has been an inspiring afternoon to see first-hand the amazing initiatives by young Tanzanians. They continue to prove that young people ought to be central to our policies and actions, hence the significance of the Youth Action Plan we are launching in Tanzania today. Our partnership in Tanzania has been providing, and will continue to provide, support to youth initiatives in education, technology and innovation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people are our voice, they are our future.”