Young people from across Tanzania showcased their practical skills, creativity and innovation at the WorldSkills Tanzania National Skills Competition 2026, which received support from the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office. The competition formed part of the National Education, Skills and Innovation Week, organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. During the week, UNESCO collaborated with the Tanzania National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM) to showcase their programmes and activities.
The competition was organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in collaboration with the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET) and other education and skills-development stakeholders.
The week concluded on 24 August 2026 with a closing ceremony officiated by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, at the grounds of Usagara Secondary School in Tanga.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Nchemba emphasized the need to turn the skills, research and innovations presented at national platforms into practical solutions, productive activities and economic opportunities. He called for stronger systems to help promising innovations move beyond exhibitions and into production and commercialization.Â
We must move beyond exhibitions and into real life, we must ensure that what we display at events like these becomes part of our daily lives, is produced adequately, used and enters the market.
Hon. Dr Mwigulu Lameck NchembaPrime Minister, United Republic of Tanzania
UNESCO’s participation reflected its continued support for Tanzania’s efforts to improve the quality, relevance and attractiveness of TVET. Through the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR II) project, UNESCO provided financial and technical support for the National Skills Competition and related activities held during the National Education, Skills and Innovation Week.
The support was delivered through close collaboration among the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office, NATCOM and NACTVET. The joint engagement contributed to the successful delivery and visibility of the event, strengthened public awareness of TVET and skills development, and provided a prominent platform for young people to demonstrate their talent, creativity and innovation. The partnership also helped broaden stakeholder participation and promote TVET as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
