Tanzania banks on labour law amendments to propel productive economy  

DAR ES SALAAM: THE recent amendments to the labour laws can lead to a more productive and inclusive economy through fostering fairness, motivation, and efficiency, the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) said yesterday.

Last year, employers were formally introduced to proposed changes to key legislation governing the labor sector, including the Employment and Relations Act, the Labor Institutions Act, and the Non-Citizens (Employment Regulation) Act.

The reforms represent a significant step forward in balancing workers’ rights with the operational needs of employers, reaffirming the country’s commitment to modernising its labor framework in response to evolving socio-economic realities.

ATE’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Suzanne Ndomba-Doran, said the amendments aimed to address long-standing legal ambiguities, strengthen protections for vulnerable worker groups, and provide greater flexibility for businesses in dynamic and specialised sectors.

 “Well-designed labor laws can have a transformative effect on the economy by promoting fairness, security, and effectiveness at work workplace,” said Ms Ndomba during the 66th Annual General Meeting and Employers’ symposium on Labor productivity held on Wednesday.

The event served as a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the implications of the reforms and discuss strategies for enhancing labor productivity across all sectors.

ALSO READ: Why economy is on right track

Among the most welcomed changes is the extension of maternity leaves for mothers of premature babies, now increased to 40 weeks from 36. In addition, Fathers of premature newborns are also entitled to seven days of paternity leave, signifying the government’s commitment to family welfare and workplace inclusivity.

Equally, the change in the vague definition specified a period contract that was previously limited to professional and managerial staff.

The amendment has been expanded to include graduates seeking work experience, employees on time-bound projects, and seasonal workers.

The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office–Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, Mr Ridhwani Kikwete, underscored the employers’ key pillar in the national economy, saying the reforms are part of the government’s broader efforts to improve the labour and employment sector in the country.

“We have already completed the first phase of labor law reforms this year intending to boost productivity, stimulating economic growth and enhancing social welfare,” he said.