Botnar Foundation’s Transformative Impact in Tanga City, Tanzania

100Africa.com Feature

How a Small Tanzanian City is Becoming a Global Blueprint for Youth-Led Urban Innovation

Tanga, Tanzania – A remarkable transformation is underway in Tanga, a coastal city that is rapidly emerging as a global model for youth-led urban development and innovation. This profound shift is powered by the TangaYetu Initiative, an ambitious program born from a powerful collaboration between the Tanga City Council and Fondation Botnar.

At its core, TangaYetu seamlessly integrates young people into every stage of planning and implementation, directly enhancing their economic and social well-being. Dr. Hassan Mshinda, Fondation Botnar’s representative in Tanzania, emphasises that the initiative’s success hinges on “the unwavering commitment to youth centrality.”

Known locally as OurTanga, this initiative is a flagship program within Fondation Botnar’s global “OurCity” network. The network aims to transform cities into places where young people’s well-being and opportunities are secured by leveraging digital technologies and AI.

The profound impact of TangaYetu spans multiple critical areas, addressing complex urban challenges with human-centred, data-driven solutions. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has directly benefited an estimated over 100,000 young people in Tanga City. This holistic engagement has positioned Tanga as a scalable blueprint for sustainable development, with its “sandbox” approach inspiring the expansion of the ‘OurCity’ framework to other cities globally, including Cluj-Napoca in Romania, Barranquilla in Colombia, Koforidua in Ghana, and Manta in Ecuador.

Why Tanga? A Strategic Choice for Transformation

Tanga was deliberately chosen as a “secondary city” to address and prevent the rapid, unplanned urbanization seen in primary cities like Dar es Salaam. Dr. Mshinda highlighted that Tanga offered unique advantages, including a smaller population compared to other major cities like Mbeya, Mwanza, and Arusha, high road density, over 80% household water access, higher levels of formal employment, and a strong commitment from the city leadership, including the Mayor and City Director. This proactive approach aims to embed youth-centred and digitally enabled systems early on, maximising long-term impact and helping to avoid the entrenched challenges of larger urban centres.

Foundational Pillars: A Holistic Approach to Urban Renewal

The TangaYetu Initiative’s first phase (2019–2024) was structured around five key pillars: Economic Empowerment, Innovation and Technology, Education and Skill Development, Community Engagement and Safety, and Health and Well-being. This comprehensive strategy, grounded in a human-centred design approach and the Evidence-to-Action (E2A) Framework, ensures that interventions reflect the lived experiences and aspirations of Tanga’s youth. The guiding principle of “nothing for youth without youth” reinforces program effectiveness and sustainability.

Abdallah Mselem, Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Group (YAG), stated, “TangaYetu has opened so many doors for us, allowing young people to gain life skills and apply their knowledge practically.”

Innovations Driving Economic Empowerment and Digital Transformation

A critical focus for TangaYetu has been addressing youth unemployment, particularly among the 30,000 young people in Tanga who are not in school or employed. The initiative has created diverse pathways to economic independence through several pioneering projects:

  • Digital Skills and Freelancing: The “Youth Digital Skills for Employment Project” trained 100 young people in digital marketing and online work. As a result, 40% secured online jobs, collectively earning over TZS 10 million in 2023. Zainab Msafiri, a participant, turned her training into a business, Aghena General Supplies, and now mentors others, even freelancing for international organizations. Rock John, inspired by TangaYetu’s digital training and city-wide Google mapping, founded Tanga Delivery, which now employs five people. Dr. Mshinda noted that the “Digital Swahili” collaboration led to several youths earning Amazon certifications and securing employment in places as far away as Dubai.
  • Fabrication Labs and STEM Education: Tanga houses Tanzania’s first Fabrication Lab (FabLab), where youth learn to operate CNC machines and 3D printers. Thirteen individuals have already secured industry internships. Instructor Sahil Abdulahman Ismail explained, “Our lab serves as a centre where young people learn not only technical skills but also how to apply them practically to make an impact in their communities.” The East Africa-first STEM Park has engaged over 30,000 youth through hands-on learning. Primary school student Fredy Abdallah shared that the park’s interactive tools helped him understand complex concepts, such as plant respiration.
  • Poultry Farming: The “Empowering Youth in Poultry Value Chain” project transformed lives. Omari Mussa began with 500 chickens in 2023 and now manages 4,000 broilers and hybrids. He also founded Kuku Pesa Investment Group, training 118 youth and supporting 98 regional farmers. Paul Sikombe, chairperson of Unity Youth Group, plans a local hatchery. Mohamed Juma Athumani noted, “Through the Poultry Project under TangaYetu, I learned to manage a poultry business and gained the confidence to support myself and my family.”
  • Marine Industries: The “Youth Economic Empowerment Through Fisheries Project” trained 362 youth in innovative methods, including seaweed, sea cucumber, and crab farming. The Maua Group, ten determined women, now mentors over 50 girls, defying gender norms and accumulating TZS 4 million in savings. Irene Charles Kiariro leads Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, converting organic waste into high-protein animal feed and generating income while training others.
  • Agribusiness: Hamisi Shabani transitioned from traditional to irrigation-based agriculture, cultivating high-value crops and significantly boosting his earnings.
  • Youth Savings Groups: The “Mindset Change and Entrepreneurship Project” formed 17 Youth Savings and Loans Associations, collectively saving over TZS 13.2 million. Many members began with no weekly income, demonstrating the initiative’s impact on financial independence.
  • Data-Driven Governance: The first City Observatory in East Africa was established to monitor SDGs at the ward level—certified by UN-Habitat and part of the Global Urban Observatory Network (GUO-Net). Youth-led data organization OMAT (OKOA MAISHA KWA TAKWIMU – SAVE LIFE THROUGH DATA) even secured a World Bank contract. The TAUSI Digital Licensing Platform, which registered 10,000 taxpayers, also increased city revenue and created short-term employment for up to 70 youth.
  • Public Space Revitalisation: Jamhuri Park (Forodhani) was transformed from a neglected area into a vibrant hub, supporting 50 youth entrepreneurs. Mayor Abdurahman Shiloow stated, “The park’s redevelopment, funded at over TZS 1.6 billion, has created jobs for more than 50 young people.”

Enhancing Education and Safety

TangaYetu also delivered measurable gains in education and child protection:

  • Education Infrastructure: The “Desk and Chairs Project” provided 12,270 desks to primary schools and 3,846 chairs and tables to secondary schools (some reports cite 4,090 desks and 3,000 chairs/tables). The project also empowered 113 young carpenters, 39 adult carpenters, and 10 carpenters with disabilities.
  • Learning Outcomes: Through “Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL),” 2,081 students were assessed, with 473 enrolled in basic literacy programs; 81% successfully graduated. Reports show that over 80% of pupils improved reading and writing within one month of intervention.
  • Road Safety: The “Safe and Healthy Journeys to School” project improved infrastructure around 11 schools, reducing traffic accidents and benefiting over 10,000 individuals. Some sources highlight 2,000+ students at schools like Mwanzange and Mwakizaro experiencing safer commutes.
  • Child Protection: The “Combating All Forms of Violence Against Children and Adolescents (VACA)” project reached over 75,000 beneficiaries (surpassing its 10,000-target), established 104 anti-abuse clubs, and rescued 12 child laborers. Mayor Shiloow acknowledged cultural norms sometimes discouraged abuse reporting, but noted that awareness efforts are changing that.

Unwavering Commitment to Youth Centrality and Community Impact

The first phase directly benefited over 100,000 + individuals including youth, women, and students. Leonard Chacha Kitoka, Managing Director of INNOVEX (TangaYetu’s fund manager and implementation partner), stated, “We have witnessed first-hand the transformation this initiative has sparked in Tanga City.”

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite its impact, TangaYetu has faced challenges: limited resources, the unavailability of global digital payment platforms like PayPal in Tanzania, labor law complexities for online work, and a municipal focus on revenue collection over long-term development. Cultural norms also occasionally presented barriers—such as reluctance to report abuse or impatience with entrepreneurial timelines.

In response, the initiative has entered its “transformation phase,” designed to ensure sustainability and scale its impact. This phase emphasizes connecting entrepreneurs with financial support and loans, promoting self-reliant entrepreneurship to reduce donor dependency, and advocating for the allocation of land specifically for youth-led agriculture. It also prioritizes early childhood development as a foundational strategy to address unemployment at its roots. Furthermore, the initiative aims to expand digital hubs, advance climate-resilient agricultural practices, empower local champions, and foster co-designed, community-led projects — all with the broader ambition of replicating Tanga’s successful model across other councils and regions in Tanzania.

A Blueprint for Urban Resilience and Inclusive Growth

TangaYetu’s achievements have laid a solid foundation for a prosperous future where youth are equipped to lead. Its alignment with national strategies and SDGs (3, 4, 8, and 11) positions it as a scalable model for inclusive, resilient urban growth across Tanzania—and potentially the globe.

As the initiative has shown, when young people are empowered, they become catalysts for lasting change—shaping their cities and driving sustainable development from the ground up.


Voices of Transformation: How Tanga’s Youth Are Building a Brighter Future

Here, we share powerful testimonials directly from the heart of this transformation, offering a glimpse into the profound changes that are making Tanga a global blueprint for youth-led innovation.

Youth Empowerment & Economic Growth

1. Poultry Power: From Uncertainty to Prosperity
“Through the Poultry Project under the TangaYetu Initiative, I learned how to manage a poultry business and gained confidence in my abilities to support myself and my family. The skills I’ve learned have opened doors I never thought possible, and being part of a savings group has given me financial security and hope for a better future.” — Mohamed Juma Athumani, Participant, TangaYetu Youth Poultry Project

2. Lasting Knowledge: Youth Leading the Way
“TangaYetu was the foundation that helped me turn a simple idea into a thriving poultry project… The training from TangaYetu has shaped who we are today. We’re not just poultry farmers; we’re confident, capable young entrepreneurs ready to lead the way in our community… If TangaYetu ever had to end, I would remember the knowledge they gave us, because knowledge doesn’t fade. The skills and confidence they instilled in us have changed our lives.” — Paul Divason Sikombe, Chairperson, Unity Youth Group and Poultry Farmer

3. Digital Skills: Empowering a New Generation
“My goal isn’t just to benefit myself. I want to share what I’ve learned with others so they can benefit from the same opportunities… The skills I gained didn’t end with me. I’m determined to teach others so they won’t miss out on what I was fortunate enough to learn.” — Zainab Msafiri Msuya, Digital Entrepreneur and Mentor, TangaYetu Digital Employment Opportunities Project

7. Farming with Purpose: A Path to Family Stability
“These crops have changed my life. I now know how to plan my planting, use fertilizers effectively, and manage pests to maximize yields. Before, I farmed aimlessly, but now I farm with purpose… The income earned from my agriculture activities has brought stability to my family. We no longer fear going without food. My wife and children now believe in my work because they can see the results.” — Hamisi Shabani, Farmer, Kiomoni Ward, TangaYetu Agribusiness Project

9. Women Thrive: Breaking Barriers in Fishing
“We used to be limited by small wooden boats. But thanks to TangaYetu, we now have a fiber boat that allows us to venture further, increase our catch, and improve our income… When women come together, we don’t just survive, we thrive. And we make sure no girl is left behind.” — Bay Juma, Treasurer, Maua Group (Women’s Fishing Collective)

10. Local Businesses: Building Trust, Securing Growth
“This project not only allowed us to contribute to the education sector but also provided an opportunity for my business to grow. We earned trust and acquired additional government contracts due to the quality of our work.” — Khalid Salim Abed, Founder, Sihaba Company Limited, Desks, Tables and Chairs Project

12. Tanga Delivery: Digital Mapping Fuels New Ventures
“Before TangaYetu, Tanga didn’t have a strong digital presence… But once Tanga was mapped, I realized there was an opportunity to launch Tanga Delivery and connect the city in a new way.” — Rock John, Entrepreneur, Tanga Delivery

13. BSF Farming: Sustainable, Profitable Innovation
“It’s a sustainable, profitable venture that can help many… [They are] a perfect protein substitute, cutting down on the need to purchase fishmeal, which often contains sand and other impurities.” — Irene Charles Kiariro, Black Soldier Fly Farmer

14. Carpenter’s Success: Desks Create New Businesses
“Through this project, I worked with Nyere Secondary, Chumbageni, and Magaoni schools to create 400 desks and chairs. The work employed seven youths in my workshop, giving them earnings that enabled them to start their ventures.” — Amani Zindwani Mchome, Local Carpenter, Desks, Tables and Chairs Project

Education & Skill Development

4. Dignity in Learning: Desks Transform Schools
“The project has given our children dignity. They no longer sit on dusty floors, and we, as parents, see the pride in their eyes when they come home and talk about their desks. It’s more than just furniture—it’s their confidence that’s been built.” — Rashid Majaliwa, Parent, Kisimatui Village, Desks, Tables and Chairs Project

6. STEM Park: Sharpening Minds for the Future
“The STEM Park has so many benefits for me. It helps me think, remember, and learn by doing… The STEM Park has sharpened my mind and improved my thinking abilities. I’ve also learned how to use a computer, which is a skill I’ll need in the future.” — Fredy Abdallah Mohamed Rashid, Primary School Student, TangaYetu STEM Park

11. FabLab: Technology Driving Community Development
“Our main goal is not just skill acquisition, but the effective use of those skills to drive community development. We believe that technology is the future of any economy, and through TOIO, we want to make Tanga part of that future.” — Sahil Abdulahman Ismail, Instructor, Tanzania Open Innovation Organization Project (TOIO) Fabrications Lab

15. TaRL: Innovative Teaching, Student Excellence
“Using songs, games, and interactive teaching methods, children who once struggled to read and count are now excelling… Now, when students sit down, they’re focused and ready to learn. As a teacher, I can manage my lessons better, and the students are performing much better. This initiative has been a blessing.” — Mwajabu Ally, Teacher, Majengo Primary School, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology

16. Reading Triumph: A Parent’s Joy
“My child told me, before she was enrolled into TaRL classes, she could not read. However, she is now glad that she can read paragraphs proficiently, thanks to the teachers who helped her to thoroughly learn the skills on syllables, words, paragraph and story reading proficiently. Thanks God, she can now read newspapers and books too.” — Parent, Jaje Primary School, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) program

17. Beyond Academics: Cultivating Self-Belief
“I do appreciate what you teachers did to our children, you made them feel good about themselves, not only about achieving 3Rs, but more of believing in themselves. This is the most important attribute they acquire.” — Parent, Jaje Primary School, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) program

18. Mayor’s Vision: Revolutionizing Learning Environments
“These desks and chairs have revolutionized learning. You can see the change in how children carry themselves. They’re more attentive, more comfortable, and their performance has improved dramatically.” — Hon. Abdurahman Omary Shiloow, Mayor of Tanga City, Desks, Tables and Chairs Project

Community Well-being & Governance

5. Courage and Safety: Rebuilding Lives
“After enduring years of abuse, I finally found the courage to report my situation. The support I received from the program helped me leave my abuser and start a new life. I am grateful for the safe spaces they created.” — Amina (name changed for privacy), Survivor of Violence, Combating All Forms of Violence Against Children and Adolescents in Tanga City Project

8. Hope Reborn: Empowering the Vulnerable
“I used to feel like I had no future. But through this program, I found people who believed in me and gave me the tools to turn my life around. Now, I want to help others do the same… This program gave me hope when I had none. Now, I want to be the hope for someone else.” — Ismail, Former Gang Member, Mental Health Awareness and Substance Abuse Recovery Project

19. Youth Voice: Direct Impact on Governance
“Before YAG and GOYN, youth-related matters were only addressed through community development officers. Now, we have direct communication, and we’re seeing results.” — Abdallah Rashid Mselem, Chairperson, Youth Advisory Group (YAG), Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN) project

20. Child Safety: Building a Legacy of Freedom
“A child’s safety is not just about infrastructure—it’s about giving them the freedom to dream and learn without fear. And that’s a legacy worth building.” — Ramadhani Nyanza, Project Coordinator, AMEND, Safe and Healthy Journeys to School for Children and Adolescents project