Youth Initiative for Land in Africa Launches Youth-Led Dialogue on Land Innovation in Tanzania

The Youth Initiative for Land in Africa has officially launched a dynamic youth-led dialogue on land innovation in the Iringa Region, bringing together over 45 young participants from the Southern Highlands, Lake Zone, and Coastal regions of Tanzania.

This initiative places young innovators at the heart of designing digital solutions to address persistent challenges related to land access, knowledge, and ownership. Through this engagement, YILAA continues to position youth as key drivers of sustainable land governance and inclusive development across Africa.

A Platform for Innovation and Transformation

Held at Gentle Hills Hotel, the two-day workshop created a vibrant space for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation. From the very first day, discussions sparked renewed optimism among participants, reinforcing the role of youth innovation as a powerful catalyst for social and economic transformation through equitable land access and productive use.

Youth Voices Driving Change

Speaking during the workshop, Emmy Mapunda, a Ward Land Council member from Mkwawa in Iringa Municipality, highlighted the impact of the training:

“This workshop has deepened my understanding of land issues, and I am committed to sharing this knowledge with other young people, introducing them to Ardhi Hub and the KANUNI App developed by YILAA.”

She further noted that the knowledge acquired will strengthen her capacity to effectively mediate land disputes within her community.

Digital Innovation for Land Access

Through its flagship project “Land for Youth: Innovate, Secure and Thrive”, YILAA is advancing innovative digital tools such as Ardhi Hub and KANUNI App. These platforms are designed to simplify access to land information and services, empowering young people to actively participate in land ownership and productive utilization.

According to Joshua Laizer, Leader of the Indigenous Department, the strength of YILAA’s approach lies in its youth-centered innovation model:

“YILAA is bringing forward solutions that respond directly to youth challenges, and these innovations are driven by young people’s own ideas.”

Strengthening Youth Development Through Land

Iringa Regional Youth Development Officer, Atilio Mganwa, emphasized the central role of land in shaping livelihoods and development:

“Land is everything in human life. Young people must be supported with an enabling environment to produce and transform their livelihoods through land.”

He also commended YILAA’s efforts in bridging the knowledge gap in land governance and encouraged stakeholders to translate these discussions into concrete actions.

Partners & Acknowledgments

This initiative is supported AU-EU Youth Action Lab

You can register to the Ardhi Hub platforme Here

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Author: Godwin TADOUDJE