In Musoma, the capital of Tanzania’s Mara region, many young people are facing a difficult economic reality as once-thriving industries continue to shut down.

The article highlights how the collapse of fish processing factories and textile manufacturing plants has left the youth with very few formal job opportunities.

As a result, most young people say they are left with only two main ways to survive: working as motorcycle taxi riders (boda-boda) or engaging in fishing activities in Lake Victoria.

During a youth dialogue organised under the Dira Mtaani: Vijana Wanasemaje programme by The Chanzo and Twaweza East Africa, participants described how Musoma’s economy has changed over time.They explained that in the past, factories provided stable employment for both men and women, especially in fish processing and textiles.However, many of these factories are now closed or operating at very low capacity.

This decline is linked to environmental and economic pressures, including the depletion of fish stocks in Lake Victoria caused by illegal fishing practices.

The situation has been worsened by falling fish export revenues, which have dropped sharply over the years, contributing to factory closures and job losses.With limited alternatives, the boda-boda sector has become overcrowded, reducing earnings for riders.Fishing also remains unstable due to declining resources.Youth in Musoma also expressed frustration with political promises that factories would be revived, saying such commitments are often not fulfilled.Some participants linked unemployment to rising petty crime in their communities, as young people struggle to meet basic needs.

Overall, the article paints a picture of an economy where formal employment has shrunk significantly, leaving many youths uncertain about their future and doubtful about government plans for industrial recovery and national development visions.