In Tanzania, a youthful nation with over 60% of its population under the age of 25, young people are increasingly demanding to be heard in matters of governance.
Despite being the largest demographic group in the country, youth participation in political decision-making remains limited. While young Tanzanians have made significant efforts to engage in governance and influence the direction of their country, they face systemic barriers that have kept them on the periphery of political power.
These challenges, coupled with the socioeconomic realities faced by many, have made the road to full participation in governance difficult, yet the determination of the youth to shape their future is stronger than ever.
Independence and after
Tanzania’s political history reflects a deep involvement of youth in transformative moments, such as during the independence struggle in the mid-20th century. Figures like Julius Nyerere emphasized unity and self-reliance, values that resonated with a generation of young people eager to contribute to their nation’s growth.
However, in the post-independence era, governance became increasingly dominated by the older generation, and the space for youth to meaningfully influence political processes began to shrink. Over time, the political landscape became more hierarchical, with older leaders maintaining control, leaving limited room for younger voices to rise in the ranks of decision-making.
Political inclusion
Today, Tanzanian youth face several obstacles in their pursuit of political inclusion.
First and foremost, the political system itself remains largely inaccessible to young people. Leadership positions are often reserved for those with long-standing ties to the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has held power for decades.
Young candidates who attempt to run for office, especially those unaffiliated with the ruling party, often struggle to gain traction in a system that does not prioritize new leadership. This exclusionary political culture discourages many youth from pursuing governance roles, as the hurdles to entry can seem insurmountable.
Economic barriers
Economic barriers also play a critical role in sidelining youth from governance. With youth unemployment at a staggering rate of over 10%, many young Tanzanians are focused on survival rather than political activism.
The challenges of securing stable employment, coupled with inadequate access to education and professional opportunities, leave little room for many young people to actively participate in governance.
Without financial independence or the means to influence political systems, many youth feel powerless to challenge the status quo or assert their rights to shape their country’s future.
Engaging with governance
Despite these challenges, young Tanzanians are not standing idly by. The digital revolution has provided a powerful tool for youth to engage with governance in new and innovative ways.
Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have become spaces where young people express their political views, mobilize around causes, and challenge the government on issues like transparency, corruption, and human rights.
Online activism has emerged as a significant force, with hashtags and digital campaigns creating awareness about the need for greater youth participation in governance. This virtual space has become a lifeline for many young Tanzanians who find the traditional political arena closed to them.
During the 2020 general elections, social media played a crucial role in mobilizing youth to speak out against voter suppression, political corruption, and undemocratic practices. Many young Tanzanians, frustrated by the lack of opportunities to participate directly in politics, turned to digital platforms to voice their concerns.
These online efforts reflect a growing desire among the youth to not only demand accountability from their leaders but also to influence policy decisions that directly affect their lives.
However, the government has responded to this growing online activism with tighter regulations on internet usage and freedom of expression, signalling its discomfort with the increasing political engagement of young people.
The need for change
The ongoing efforts by Tanzanian youth to participate in governance are a testament to their resilience and determination. However, to truly harness the potential of this generation, Tanzania must make significant changes to its political and economic systems.
Political parties need to open their ranks to young leaders and provide real opportunities for youth to hold decision-making positions. Leadership structures that remain dominated by the older generation risk alienating the very demographic that represents the country’s future.
In addition, the electoral process must be reformed to ensure that young candidates can compete fairly, and that independent voices have a chance to break through the entrenched power dynamics that have stifled innovation and progress.
Furthermore, addressing the economic challenges faced by Tanzanian youth is essential to their political participation. Investing in education, skills development, and job creation will not only improve the livelihoods of young people but also empower them to engage more meaningfully in governance.
Economic independence allows young people the freedom to participate in political activism without fear of economic retaliation or hardship. It is only when the youth are economically empowered that they can fully participate in the political processes that shape their future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tanzanian youth are at a pivotal moment in their nation’s history. They are no longer content with being passive observers of governance; instead, they are increasingly demanding a seat at the table.
The barriers they face are significant, but their resilience and adaptability, especially through digital activism, show that they are willing to fight for their rightful place in Tanzania’s political landscape. If the country is to move forward and thrive as a democracy, it must find ways to embrace the voices of its young people and create pathways for their full participation in governance.
The future of Tanzania depends on the inclusion of its youth, not just as participants, but as leaders shaping the country’s trajectory.
By Juma Mwamba