Dodoma. The Minister in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Kitila Mkumbo, has said the Go Green and IMBEJU programmes are closely aligned with the goals of the National Vision 2050, citing their focus on inclusive, competitive and climate-resilient economic growth anchored on youth empowerment.
Prof Mkumbo made the remarks on February 12, 2026, in Dodoma during the official launch of the Go Green and IMBEJU initiatives by the CRDB Bank Foundation.
He said the programmes place strong emphasis on building a green economy while recognising young people as key drivers in achieving sustainable national development.
The Go Green and IMBEJU programmes aim to empower youth-led innovative projects in climate-smart agriculture, clean and renewable energy, water technologies, waste management, environmental conservation and digital innovation. Through the initiative, young entrepreneurs will access affordable capital ranging from Sh500,000 to Sh50 million.
Prof Mkumbo said the government continues to prioritise youth economic empowerment, expansion of the green economy and strengthening collaboration frameworks between the public and private sectors.
“Youth projects that safeguard the environment, as we have witnessed today, represent the practical implementation of the National Vision 2050,” said Prof Mkumbo.
He added that private sector participation in implementing Vision 2050 remains a crucial pillar in transforming youth-driven innovative ideas into sustainable businesses capable of generating employment and boosting national productivity.
The Chief Executive Officer of CRDB Bank, Abdulmajid Nsekela, described the initiative as a bridge linking global climate finance with innovative youth who often lack collateral or credit history required by conventional financial systems.
“Through Go Green and IMBEJU, we believe more young people will be reached, prepared and empowered to actively participate in the green economy. This is a strategic convergence of international climate financing and Tanzanian youth innovation,” said Nsekela.
He explained that under the Tanzania Climate Adaptation and Development Programme (TACATDP), valued at $200 million and implemented in partnership with the Green Climate Fund, over Sh100 billion has already been disbursed, reaching approximately 600,000 beneficiaries nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the CRDB Bank Foundation, Tully Esther Mwambapa, elaborated on the programme’s implementation framework, noting that it has been specifically designed to target youth entrepreneurs. She said applications will be conducted digitally through the FursaHub platform in collaboration with the National Economic Empowerment Council.
“Applications for Go Green and IMBEJU will be submitted digitally through FursaHub from February 12 to March 11, 2026. The system will screen applications based on set criteria, and those meeting the requirements will be forwarded to a panel of experts for detailed assessment of business viability and ability to repay concessional financing,” she said.
Mwambapa said applicants who successfully pass the initial stage will be invited to specialised business and innovation training through the CRDB Bank Foundation Innovation Centre before receiving financial support.
“Through this window, we are offering affordable capital ranging from Sh500,000 to Sh500 million depending on project size and needs. Outstanding projects will also have opportunities to access grants ranging between Sh500,000 and Sh10 million to accelerate business growth,” she said.
She added that since the establishment of the CRDB Bank Foundation in 2023, more than 1.25 million entrepreneurs have benefited from financial literacy education, training and enabling capital worth over Sh21 billion, with the broader objective of building a complete value chain that prepares youth to enter formal financial systems.
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Daniel Sillo, said Parliament has laid a strong legal foundation that supports environmental protection and promotes the green economy, noting that the programme serves as a practical example of integrating policy, financing and youth innovation.
Speaking on behalf of youth-led startups that showcased their innovations, Irene Vambi, founder of Mrembo Naturals, said the IMBEJU programme had enabled her to receive training, professional mentorship and financial support that helped expand production of her natural products and create employment opportunities for other young people.
“IMBEJU has helped transform my idea into a growing business that employs fellow youth. Go Green and IMBEJU offer genuine opportunities for innovative young people with dreams. I encourage my fellow youth to seize this opportunity, apply and believe in themselves. It is absolutely possible,” she said.