Tanzania creates 103,000 jobs as it pushes for industrial reforms

DODOMA: A TOTAL of 103,195 jobs have been created over the past four years as the government intensifies efforts to promote industrialization across the country, the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, told the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Presenting the 2025/26 budget estimates for his ministry, Dr Jafo said 910 industries have been either established, revived, or expanded between July 2021 and March 2025, thanks to deliberate strategies to attract investment and improve the business environment.

“During this period, a total of 554 new industries were established, 148 were revived, and 208 others expanded,” he told lawmakers, noting that these developments have contributed to job creation in various regions.

Dr Jafo attributed the achievements to improvements in the business environment, availability of land for investment, and government efforts to strengthen industrial infrastructure, particularly through the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) and the Bagamoyo Special Economic Zone (BSEZ).

The minister said the government remains committed to implementing the National Industrial Policy with the goal of transforming Tanzania into a semi-industrialized economy by 2025.

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“To achieve this target, we will continue creating an enabling environment for the private sector, offering investment incentives, eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks, and promoting the adoption of technology in production,” he stated.

He further revealed that the government is working closely with development partners to enhance skills development for young people seeking employment in the industrial sector, as part of wider efforts to tackle youth unemployment and increase local productivity.

Dr Jafo also underlined plans to accelerate agro-processing activities in collaboration with the private sector, emphasising that such industries are key in adding value to agricultural produce, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing incomes for farmers.

For the upcoming 2025/26 fiscal year, the ministry is seeking 200.4bn/- to implement various plans aimed at promoting industrial development, enhancing domestic and international trade, and advancing special economic zones.

According to Dr Jafo, the proposed budget is designed to enhance Tanzanians’ participation in industrial activities, increase exports of locally made products, and reduce the importation of goods that can be produced domestically.