TPSF URGES PRIVATE COMPANIES TO FOLLOW GGML LEAD IN IDENTIFYING NEW TALENT

Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) Chief Executive Officer, Raphael Maganga (right), with Senior Vice President - Africa Business Unit, Terry Strong, at the launch of GGML's 2024/2025 Internship Programme, welcoming 40 unemployed graduates from various colleges for a year of on-the-job training and 10 graduates who have successfully completed the 2023/2024 Internship Programme and are now taking the next step in their careers at GGML, being promoted to an advanced graduate programme called ABU Graduate Programme, one of AGA's initiatives to accelerate graduate career growth within the company.

Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), Raphael Maganga, addresses the public at the launch of the GGML Internship Programme for 2024/2025, which will see 40 unemployed graduates from various colleges receive on-the-job training for a period of one year, while at the same time 10 graduates from last year's internship programme are now undertaking the advanced graduate programme called the ABU Graduate Programme, one of AGA's initiatives to accelerate graduate career progression within the company.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), Raphael Maganga, has urged private sector companies to follow the lead of Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) in providing internships and investing in Tanzanian youth for the future of Tanzania.

He has also advised the stakeholders of the TPSF to continue to foster collaboration between industry and educational institutions as the key to bridging Africa's mining skills gap.

Maganga made the statement at a ceremony in Geita over the weekend to welcome 40 unemployed graduates from various colleges who have been given the opportunity to receive on-the-job training at GGML for a period of one year, in parallel with 10 graduates from last year's training who are now taking the next step in their careers at GGML, having been promoted to an advanced graduate programme known as the Africa Business Unit (ABU) Graduate Programme, one of AGA’s initiatives to accelerate graduates’ career growth within the company.

As well as congratulating GGML on the internship programme, he said the initiative wasn't just about providing opportunities; it was about closing the skills gap in Tanzania and empowering our youth for a better future.

"By providing internships and other opportunities, we can bridge the gap between education and employment and ensure that our youth are equipped with the skills they need to succeed," he said.

He said the rise of mining in Africa has led to a greater need for skills that are scarce on the continent, and this is not a Tanzanian issue, but a global one.

He also said the industry's rapid growth over the past two decades has depleted the talent pool, exacerbated by an ageing workforce and the unpopularity of mining careers due to challenging conditions.

"This talent shortage is particularly acute in countries such as Angola, Nigeria, Tanzania and Ghana. To address this, there's a need for improved training facilities and programmes, with the private sector playing a crucial role in funding and shaping curricula to meet industry needs. Collaboration between industry and educational institutions is key to closing Africa's mining skills gap.

"GGML has long been a pioneer in supporting government initiatives aimed at improving the employability of graduates in Tanzania. Through internships and other graduate programmes, GGML has been instrumental in helping new graduates gain the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the labour market," he said.

GML's Senior Vice President - Africa Business Unit, Terry Strong, said the training programme will give unemployed graduates the opportunity to gain work experience that will complement their studies and help them compete in the job market.

"With several successes achieved so far, GGML is committed to continuing the on-the-job training programme as an important recruitment tool," he said.