YOUTH, VISION, AND CCM: THE ONLY PARTY THAT TRULY BELIEVES IN YOUNG PEOPLE.

INTRODUCTION: CCM – A STRONG PARTY WITH A SOLID FOUNDATION IN DEMOCRACY AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Since its establishment on February 5, 1977, through the merger of TANU and ASP, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has proven to be a leading party in offering a vision for development, safeguarding peace and national unity, and fully recognizing the role of youth in building the nation. According to the CCM Constitution, one of its core goals is:

> “To promote and uphold national unity through democracy and equality, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.”

In line with these principles, CCM has consistently given young people opportunities to participate, lead, and directly benefit from the implementation of its policies and Election Manifesto. Youth are not bystanders—they are a key pillar of politics, development, and social transformation for the sustainable growth of our country.

1. CCM’S LEGACY IN NURTURING YOUTH TO BECOME NATIONAL LEADERS

Throughout the political history of Tanzania, youth have been at the forefront. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere co-founded TANU at the age of 32, and Rashid Kawawa was 28. Tanganyika gained independence in 1961 when Nyerere was just 37. This clearly illustrates that the foundation of the independence struggle and national development was laid by young people.

CCM has genuinely inherited and advanced this legacy. Through the UVCCM (CCM Youth Wing), the party has a special institution for preparing young people professionally, ideologically, and in leadership. The CCM Constitution recognizes UVCCM as one of the party’s three pillars to strengthen leadership and participation of special groups.

The party’s guidelines emphasize that youth inclusion is not a favor, but a right and responsibility. Young people participate in all decision-making bodies, from the grassroots level to the national stage. For example, the Chairperson of UVCCM at any level is automatically a member of that level’s Political Committee and Executive Council—proving youth involvement in all community decision-making processes.

2. CCM MANIFESTOS 2020–2025 AND 2025–2030: EVIDENCE OF REAL COMMITMENT TO YOUTH

In its 2020–2025 and 2025–2030 General Election Manifestos, CCM outlined solid strategies to empower young people. Some key achievements under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government include:

Youth Employment: Over 8,084,203 jobs were created from 2020 to 2024, with more than 7 million being in the informal sector. In the 2025–2030 Manifesto, CCM aims to increase job creation by an average of 7% economic growth annually.

Youth Loans: Through council revenues, TZS 96.3 billion was disbursed to 8,242 youth from 2020 to 2024. This includes soft loans via the Youth Development Fund.

Higher Education Loans: The number of students benefiting from higher education loans rose from 142,170 in 2020 to 245,799 in 2024. Additionally, 9,959 diploma students received loans in priority fields.

Samia Scholarship: This program has supported 3,696 students in science, health, and engineering. It’s a testament to CCM's investment in youth human capital.

Free Education: Free education from pre-primary to Form Six has been provided, giving Tanzanian children and youth access to learning without barriers.

Furthermore, over 50% of leadership appointments—including Regional Commissioners, District Commissioners, Council Directors, Ministers, and MPs—have been youth, proving CCM’s great confidence in the potential of young people.

3. THE CANDIDACY PROCESS AND POLITICAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH

According to the CCM Constitution and its regulations, youth have equal rights to vie for positions from local government levels to parliamentary seats, provided they meet the constitutional criteria.

In March 2025, CCM reformed its rules to expand democracy and youth participation:

Expanded Primary Voting: More youth now participate as both voters and candidates.

Special Seats Term Limits Introduced: This has created more room for young women to contest in general elections at constituency and ward levels.

In the November 2024 Local Government Elections, over 60% of those elected in many areas were youth. For example, in Kigoma Region, 95% of the winners were young people—a clear indication of the support youth in CCM enjoy from both citizens and the party.

4. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MANIFESTO: HOW CCM IS IMPACTING YOUTH AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE

In the CCM 2025–2030 Manifesto, the party has committed to the following:

Jobs and Economic Empowerment: Continued provision of soft loans, improved access to financial services, and enhanced youth business environments.

Science and ICT Development: Training youth in ICT skills, increasing technology use in employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Sports and Arts: The government is promoting arts and sports as sources of youth employment. President Samia introduced the Samia Youth Art Fund and invested in sports infrastructure.

Education Support: A total of TZS 1.3 trillion was spent between 2020 and 2024 to fund free education from nursery to secondary school.

5. PRESIDENT SAMIA AS A LIVING EXAMPLE OF A LEADER WHO CARES FOR YOUTH

Under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, CCM has shown boldness and a clear vision for the new generation. She has opened doors for employment, education, investment, and diplomacy—creating new opportunities for young people.

She is Tanzania's first female president, and notably the first to appoint large numbers of youth as District Commissioners, Directors, Regional Administrative Secretaries, and even Ambassadors.

Her slogan, “Work and Dignity, We Move Forward”, is not just words, but a guiding vision demonstrated by real policy implementation.

CONCLUSION: CCM IS A PARTY FOR ALL—BUT ESPECIALLY FOR THE YOUTH

For over 48 years, CCM has proven to be a focused, modern, and forward-looking party committed to building the nation’s future through youth investment. Every young person who believes in integrity, patriotism, and genuine development should see pride and opportunity within CCM.

Now is the time for youth to collect nomination forms, contest in large numbers, and ensure their votes reflect their hopes and aspirations.

CCM is not just a party of the past—it is the party of today and tomorrow.