ARUSHA, July 11 -- THE government has launched the disbursement of loans under the 200bn/- Youth Development Fund, with Arusha becoming the first region to benefit after receiving 730m/- in the programmes initial phase aimed at supporting youth entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Launching the programme in Arusha, Minister of State in the Presidents Office (Youth Development), Mr Joel Nanauka said the government received 30,384 loan applications from young people nationwide, reflecting strong demand for affordable business financing.

Of the funds allocated to Arusha, 500m/- will support a youth-led pharmaceutical research and medicine production project, 30m/- will finance a dust-free chalk manufacturing factory, while 100m/- will be ...