The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) today hosted a delegation from the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC) to discuss a strategic collaboration aimed at creating regional employment pathways for talented Zanzibar youth. The discussions focused on a proposed initiative through which qualified SUZA graduates from various disciplines will be recruited and engaged as interns at the Commission. The internship programme is intended to expose participants to the Commission’s operations and professional working environment, preparing them for future employment opportunities within the EAKC and other regional institutions once vacancies arise.
Speaking during the meeting, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Abdi T. Abdalla reaffirmed SUZA’s commitment to ensuring that the collaboration remains sustainable, impactful, and beneficial to all parties involved. He noted that the initiative directly supports the vision of the Zanzibar Government under the 8th Phase Administration to increase youth employment by equipping graduates with competitive skills and exposing them to opportunities within the regional labour market. Prof. Abdalla further emphasized that SUZA is committed to preparing candidates with the competencies required to thrive in the East African market while simultaneously increasing the University’s regional visibility and relevance.
The programme is expected to onboard more than 30 candidates annually, marking a significant step toward strengthening graduate employability and regional integration.
Importantly, both Prof. Abdalla and Grace Odongo, Principal Human Resource Officer from the East African Community Secretariat, underscored the need to uphold gender balance and inclusivity throughout the selection process. They agreed that the initiative will be guided by principles of gender sensitivity to ensure equal opportunities for both male and female candidates, thereby promoting fairness and diversity in accessing regional employment pathways.
This partnership reflects SUZA’s growing role in connecting academic excellence with practical opportunities and demonstrates the University’s dedication to producing graduates who are globally competitive, regionally responsive, and inclusively empowered.