Vice-President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi made the commitment while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Fourth Benjamin Mkapa Legacy Forum and celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation (BMF).
He said a resilient health system depends on skilled professionals, strong institutions and sustained investment in the next generation of healthcare workers.
"Youth are the future leaders of the health sector, future healthcare professionals and researchers. We must equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to address tomorrow's health challenges," Dr Nchimbi said.
He urged young professionals to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital health solutions and data analytics, describing innovation as a key driver of improved healthcare delivery and wider access to quality medical services.
Dr Nchimbi said the government continues to prioritise investment in science, technology and higher education to develop the skilled workforce required to support Tanzania's long-term economic and social transformation.
He commended the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation for two decades of partnership with the government in strengthening healthcare delivery, expanding access to services in underserved communities, combating HIV/AIDS and developing the country's health workforce.
According to Dr Nchimbi, the Foundation's achievements reflect the late President Mkapa's vision of building strong institutions, capable public servants and sustainable systems that continue to improve the lives of Tanzanians.
He called on development partners, universities and healthcare stakeholders to deepen collaboration in expanding opportunities for young professionals and strengthening national health systems.
Zanzibar President and Patron of the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, said the late President believed sustainable development depended on visionary leadership, effective institutions and empowering young people to drive national transformation.
He said the Foundation has made a significant contribution to improving healthcare services in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar through investments in health workforce development, professional training and service delivery.
Deputy Minister for Health Dr Florence Samizi said the Foundation has become a strategic partner in advancing Tanzania's health agenda by supporting the training of more than 19,000 health workers, including over 11,000 community health workers, while also providing scholarships, improving health infrastructure and contributing to policy development.
She said the government continues to increase investment in healthcare personnel, specialised medical services, infrastructure and modern health technologies.
According to Dr Samizi, Tanzania now has more than 182,000 health workers, while nearly 1,982 doctors have completed advanced specialist training through the Samia Super Specialisation Scholarship Programme, strengthening the country's capacity to deliver specialised healthcare services.
Benjamin Mkapa Foundation Board Chairperson Ambassador Liberata Mulamula said continued government reforms and increased domestic investment have expanded access to quality healthcare and accelerated progress towards universal health coverage.
Representing the Mkapa family, William Erio said the former President's legacy extends beyond the Foundation through landmark national reforms, including Tanzania Development Vision 2025 and the establishment of the Tanzania Revenue Authority, both of which continue to contribute to the country's economic development.
World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Janabi, called for sustained investment in Africa's health workforce, noting that rising demand for skilled professionals presents both opportunities and challenges for the continent.
He said that although more than 500,000 health workers were trained across Africa between 2022 and 2024, governments should continue creating conditions that enable skilled professionals to remain and contribute to stronger national health systems.
Benjamin Mkapa Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Senkoro said the Foundation has reached more than 35 million Tanzanians and mobilised over 450 billion shillings since its establishment in 2006.
He said BMF has deployed more than 11,000 community health workers, awarded over 1,200 training scholarships and supported the construction or rehabilitation of 520 health facilities, including 400 staff houses for healthcare workers serving rural and underserved communities.
The forum brought together government leaders, development partners, health professionals and international organisations to review two decades of progress while exploring new partnerships to strengthen healthcare systems and accelerate human capital development in Tanzania and across Africa.
Notes to Editors
– The Fourth Benjamin Mkapa Legacy Forum coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation (BMF), established in 2006 to strengthen Tanzania's health system.
– The government's message centred on human capital development, positioning investment in healthcare professionals, medical education and specialist training as essential to achieving a resilient health system.
– According to the Ministry of Health, Tanzania now has more than 182,000 health workers, while 1,982 doctors have completed advanced specialist training under the Samia Super Specialisation Scholarship Programme.
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