AfricaPress-Tanzania: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has directed public and private sectors’ leaders to upgrade their skills and use the expertise for the country’s development.
He noted that this time when the country has attained middle income status, he would like to see the workforce at different levels strengthened and leaders using their expertise and professionalism in overseeing development of the projects, especially in management of human and financial resources.
Mr Majaliwa said that in Dar es Salaam on Friday, while presiding over a graduation ceremony of Chief Executive Officers (CEO), who attended the Apprenticeship Programme.
“The concept of apprenticeship is the solution in ensuring that our experts are given skills needed to increase their competence in the day-to-day activities. The country needs exemplary leaders,” Mr Majaliwa added.
He noted the concept of apprenticeship focuses on developing a network of leaders through practical training and advice given to enable them make wise decisions in the best interest of the nation.
However, he expressed confidence that the graduates with the skills will manage changes, become honest and motivated and improves different sectors they supervise.
Elaborating, the Premier mentioned the benefits of capacity building for local experts, especially leaders and senior executives as improvements in manpower with high skills and competence likely to bring meaningful contributions at national, zonal and international levels.
He cited other benefits as creativity, ethical and patriotic leaders, who are ready to build a strong, sustainable and growing economy and as well develop technical capacity of others.
Mr Majaliwa further said the government values the private sector as a key player in contributing towards the country’s development.
“The apprenticeship programme received by these leaders will help to manage a skilled and knowledgeable workforce and push forward development of our country.
“It is an indisputable fact that the private sector and civil society organisations, including religious institutions, have been making significant contributions towards increasing access to education, knowledge and skills in the country.
“Therefore, I would like to acknowledge and commend the private sector’s contributions in our capacity building, education leading our country to higher positions,” he pointed out.
However, he called upon the Board of Directors of the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania and the Uongozi Institute to work together and identify areas that need such training so as to become effective.
“I know and am aware of the Uongozi Institute conducting leadership training programmes in partnership with Alto University in Finland.
“The partnership will bring productivity and eliminate duplication, while strengthening innovation in providing training and bring benefits to its participants,” added the Premier, while urging them to develop training manuals, which also recognise and build the capacity of Tanzanians in priority sectors like mining, oil and gas, construction and Information and communications technology (ICT).
Equally, he called upon them as a team to cooperate in building capacity of specialists in the implementation of major projects such as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) that will start from Kabaale, Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani, Tanga.
Commenting, one of the participants, Sanjay Rughani from the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt) said the apprenticeship programme will also equip other Tanzanians with skills to professionally run their businesses, especially those in institutions.
“The training programme has focused on high capacity building to Tanzanian experts and specialists, so that they can compete in serving in various institutions, programmes, as well as major local and international projects,” he added.
