ABOUT US
Youth Investors Association (YIA)
We are a dynamic and forward-thinking youth-led organization committed to taking a step in empowering young entrepreneurs in Tanzania and contributing to the creation of a supportive ecosystem where youth-owned businesses can thrive. Founded with the vision of having a generation of young resilient investors who drive sustainable economic growth, create opportunities within a supportive business environment, and thrive in a competitive marketplace locally and globally leading to the growth and expansion of youth-led businesses. YIA focuses on nurturing opportunistic mindsets and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among young people as entrepreneurship has come to be regarded as a major solution to overcome the challenges of unemployment, especially youth unemployment in Tanzania.
YIA was established in 2020 as a membership-based organization, with registration number ooNGO/R/4316, whose mission is to serve as a tool for growth by empowering young entrepreneurs, while fostering a conducive business environment where youth-led investments can thrive in a competitive marketplace, achieve sustainability, and contribute positively to Tanzania’s economic development. YIA act as a link between our members who are aspiring entrepreneurs with different opportunities, business leaders, stakeholders and strategic partners that will add value to their businesses and investments. YIA facilitates valuable linkages that lead to business collaborations both locally and internationally among members and access to different investment opportunities across various sectors as well as facilitation of youth business access to markets. Through various initiatives we initiate such as training/capacity building programs, business workshops, and networking events, which bring together our members and be an enabling factor to turn their ideas and businesses into successful and impactful ventures, contributing to both economic growth and social development in Tanzania.
YIA works to understand, support, empower, advocate, and promote the social, economic, and entrepreneurial interests of its members. YIA works with both private and public sector organizations in assisting and providing the necessary support and guidance to youth in business, and in advocating for favorable policies in which their enterprises can thrive.
At YIA we strongly believe that youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow and key builders of a sustainable future, but also the opportunists of today who will create solutions, generate jobs, and transform their communities to add lasting value to the world.
Joseph Mramba,
Founder & Executive Chairman.
Youth Investors Association.
note from
The Founder & Executive Chairman
As the founder of the Youth Investors Association (YIA), Tanzania’s leading network of young entrepreneurs, I am proud of our journey since 2020, when we began as a small school club. Today, we stand as a registered national association with a vibrant community of members across diverse sectors. Our mission remains clear: to link, empower, and support youth investors and entrepreneurs so they can meaningfully contribute to Tanzania’s socio-economic transformation.
YIA exists to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement. We do this by creating opportunities for young people to access training, mentorship, market linkages, and policy engagement. By connecting them with experienced partners and organizations, we equip them with the knowledge and support they need to grow their businesses, create jobs, and become leaders of change in their communities.
Our vision extends beyond Tanzania. We believe that young entrepreneurs should not only thrive locally but also compete globally. That is why we actively pursue partnerships that expose members to international business forums, trade fairs, and collaborations. These opportunities expand horizons, strengthen competitiveness, and inspire youth to innovate in ways that respond to both local and global challenges.
At the heart of YIA is our belief in collective impact. We work closely with government institutions, development partners, and the private sector to improve the business environment for youth-led investments. Through advocacy and stakeholder engagement, we ensure that young voices are heard and that policies are shaped to unlock their potential.
I warmly invite youth investors and entrepreneurs to join YIA, as well as partners who share our vision of a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, we will build a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future for Tanzania and Africa at large. Future ni leo, tutakuwa pamoja, hatua kwa hatua.
PROJECTS
Explore some of our programs
We equip members with training, mentorship, and resources to strengthen skills in finance, marketing, leadership, and innovation.
We connect 800+ members through platforms, events, and partnerships that foster experience sharing and market linkages locally and internationally.
We champion youth entrepreneurship by lobbying for favorable policies and creating platforms that amplify youth voices and strengthen the startup ecosystem.
We showcase members through trade fairs, expos, and forums, connecting them to local and international markets for greater visibility and growth.
Turning youth potential to economic impact
In Tanzania, youth make up the largest share of the unemployed population, with nearly 60% of those without jobs being young people. Every year, close to one million youth enter the labour market, yet job creation has not kept pace. Most end up in informal or subsistence work, while only a small percentage find formal employment. At the same time, 84% of the workforce remains low-skilled, and many businesses struggle to find the talent they need to grow.
Despite strong economic growth, opportunities for youth remain limited. Many young people lack access to relevant skills, financial resources, and support systems. Entrepreneurship has become a common path, but most youth start businesses out of necessity, often in unregistered petty trade with little chance of growth. Rural youth face even greater challenges, with many working in seasonal or part-time agricultural jobs that provide low income and minimal opportunities for advancement.
Access to finance, quality training, and supportive policies continue to be major barriers. Few youth can access credit, business development services, or mentorship, making it difficult for their enterprises to succeed. At the same time, regulatory hurdles and poor coordination among institutions further limit opportunities. These challenges underline the need for practical interventions that not only provide skills but also create an enabling environment where youth-led businesses can thrive.
The Youth Investors Association (YIA) is responding to this challenge by empowering young Tanzanians with the skills, resources, and networks they need to succeed in entrepreneurship. Through capacity building, mentorship, advocacy, and market exposure, YIA helps bridge the gap between ambition and achievement.
By improving access to finance, fostering innovation, and linking youth with opportunities at both local and international levels, YIA is building a stronger generation of entrepreneurs who will contribute to economic growth and social development in Tanzania and beyond.
Latest news
Follow our activities
VAVADA Вавада казино официальный сайт регистрация вход.4083 (3)
VAVADA | Вавада казино - официальный сайт, регистрация, вход ▶️ ИГРАТЬ Содержимое Вавада казино:...
YIA Partners with African Leadership Initiatives for Impact...
Youth Investors Association (YIA) is proud to have partnered with African Leadership Initiatives for...
YIA to collaborate with UDSM DIEN
Youth Investors Association (YIA) led by the Executive Chairman Joseph Mramba @josephmramba_ and the...
YIA partners with Xinhua News Agency
Strengthening Global Ties: YIA Partners with Xinhua News Agency at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,...
YIA is open to all Tanzanian youth interested in entrepreneurship and investment. We cater to individuals at different stages, from aspiring young entrepreneurs to established youth-led businesses. Membership is available in several categories, including Associate, Individual, Business, Company, and Honorary, ensuring everyone can participate according to their experience and resources.
While our primary focus is on youth entrepreneurs and investors, YIA also has programs for children and young students to cultivate entrepreneurial skills early. Initiatives such as our Children and Youth Mentorship Segment provide exposure, training, and life skills to prepare young individuals for future business opportunities and leadership roles.
Members of YIA can expect a wide range of services and support designed to empower young entrepreneurs. This includes access to mentorship from experienced business leaders, networking opportunities with peers and industry experts, and participation in workshops, training sessions, and business development programs. Members also benefit from exposure to funding opportunities, market insights, and guidance on starting and scaling businesses. Additionally, YIA provides a platform to showcase innovative ideas, collaborate on projects, and engage with initiatives that connect youth to government, private sector, and international partners.
YIA works closely with government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, and private sector organizations to create opportunities for our members. Partnerships enable us to provide training, funding access, market exposure, and mentorship. We continuously seek new collaborators to expand our impact across Tanzania and beyond.
Yes. YIA offers personalized mentorship through programs like Vijana na Fursa, Business Leader Meet-Ups, and the Children and Youth Mentorship Segment. Members can receive one-on-one support from experienced entrepreneurs, honorary members, and partner organizations, helping them develop business skills, refine strategies, and access networks and resources tailored to their unique needs.