How traffickers exploit youths’ poverty, ignorance

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is being called to intensify its fight against human trafficking, with stakeholders emphasising that stronger collaboration between government institutions, non-governmental organisations and civil society is critical to dismantling this criminal network.

Mr Celestine Makoba, a representative of the Secretariat on Combating Human Trafficking, stressed that as technology continues to evolve, traffickers are adapting with new, sophisticated methods to maintain their illegal trade.

Mr Makoba made these remarks during a two-day training workshop held in Dar es Salaam on December 3, 2025, organised by the Tanzania Relief Initiative (TRI) in collaboration with the Tanzania Network against Human Trafficking (TANAHUT) and sponsored by the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The workshop brought together lawyers, advocates and other key actors in the fight against human trafficking.

“The fight against human trafficking cannot succeed without a common understanding and shared strategy among all stakeholders,” Mr Makoba emphasised.

“Without alignment in our approach, we risk leaving gaps that traffickers will exploit.”

During the training, Mr Makoba highlighted various measures the Tanzanian government has implemented to combat human trafficking, including legal amendments aimed at strengthening the punishment framework.

One of the most significant recent changes, he said, was the introduction of mandatory imprisonment for convicted traffickers, with fines imposed as an additional penalty rather than a substitute.

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“These amendments mark a crucial step in holding offenders accountable. Imprisonment is now the first line of punishment, ensuring that traffickers face consequences commensurate with their crimes,” he explained.

He further outlined that in 2015, the government established regulations providing clear guidance for identifying victims of human trafficking, offering tools to reconnect them with their families, and ensuring their protection throughout legal proceedings.

“Survivors of trafficking are often witnesses to criminal activities, and their safety must be guaranteed. These regulations offer the framework for that protection,” Mr Makoba said.

He also noted that Tanzania operates a three-year action plan to guide the fight against trafficking. The most recent plan concluded last year, and the new plan covering 2025–2028 is ready for launch. These strategic plans provide a roadmap for government institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders to coordinate their efforts effectively.

“The problem of human trafficking is universal; no country is entirely immune,” Mr Makoba said, stressing the global dimension of the crime. “The difference lies only in the severity of its impact in different regions.”

Advocate Edwin Mugambila, Executive Director of TRI, explained that the training aimed to build capacity among participants and provide a platform to share experiences and strategies for tackling human trafficking.

He emphasised that understanding the latest methods employed by traffickers, examining international experiences and identifying gaps in current approaches are critical to dismantling these networks.

“The workshop will help participants learn from both successes and failures in the fight against trafficking,” Advocate Mugambila said.

“We aim to strengthen the skills, knowledge and collaborative capacity of all actors involved in protecting vulnerable populations.” He further highlighted that Tanzania continues to function as a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking.

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Certain regions, including Morogoro, Dar es Salaam, Kagera, Geita, Mara, Mbeya, Songwe and Zanzibar, are particularly affected. Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, he noted, serve as primary gateways for traffickers.

“The most affected communities are typically rural areas where educational access is limited, and information about trafficking is scarce,” Advocate Mugambila explained. “Families living in poverty are especially vulnerable, as traffickers often lure children and young people with promises of employment, education or a better life. Tragically, many end up in exploitative situations far from home.” Statistics cited during the training reveal that Tanzania is far from safe for vulnerable populations.

More than 90 per cent of human trafficking cases involve internal or domestic trafficking. Alarmingly, over 70 per cent of victims are women and children, highlighting the gendered nature of the crime.

Advocate Mugambila stressed that one of the major challenges in combating trafficking lies in the prosecution and trial processes.

“Many cases never reach the courts, and those that do often result in offenders being charged with minor or unrelated crimes. This undermines efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and to send a strong message to potential traffickers,” he said.

The training also explored the root causes of trafficking, including the high demand for cheap labour, domestic servitude and exploitation. Participants examined both the supply and demand dynamics that drive the illegal trade, noting that certain communities remain disproportionately affected due to socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

“By analysing these patterns, we can better understand where interventions are most needed and how to prevent young people from falling victim,” Mr Makoba said.

“Education, awareness and economic empowerment are vital components of prevention.”

In addition to legal and regulatory frameworks, the training highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration. NGOs, government agencies, law enforcement and local communities must work hand in hand to detect trafficking, support victims and dismantle criminal networks.

Advocate Mugambila added that Tanzania’s fight against trafficking also involves learning from international experiences.

“Other countries have faced similar challenges. By assessing their approaches, we can adapt best practices to Tanzania’s context, ensuring that we are effective in both prevention and prosecution,” he said.

The workshop emphasised the need for ongoing monitoring, evaluation and adaptation. Traffickers constantly evolve their methods, making it essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant and innovative. Technology, while a tool for communication and development, also facilitates illicit activities, and authorities must be equipped to counter these sophisticated strategies.

“The fight against human trafficking requires constant innovation and vigilance,” Mr Makoba said.

“As traffickers adopt new tools and strategies, our response must evolve in tandem.” The training also underscored the crucial role of communities in protecting children and women.

Awareness campaigns, education and reporting mechanisms are vital in reducing vulnerability and preventing exploitation. Families and local leaders must be equipped to recognise early warning signs and intervene before traffickers can act.

Both Mr Makoba and Advocate Mugambila agreed that success in combating human trafficking depends on a holistic approach that combines legal enforcement, victim support, community engagement and international cooperation.

They urged all stakeholders to treat trafficking not just as a criminal issue, but as a societal challenge that demands coordinated action.

“The stakes are high,” Mr Makoba concluded. “Human trafficking destroys the future of young people, undermines families and threatens social cohesion. Only through sustained collaboration and shared commitment can we hope to eliminate this crime in Tanzania.”

As Tanzania continues to face the complex challenges of human trafficking, training sessions like this aim to equip stakeholders with the knowledge, tools and collaborative frameworks needed to protect vulnerable populations, hold perpetrators accountable and ultimately eradicate the crime from the country.

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The workshop was a reminder that while legal frameworks are essential, the fight against trafficking is also a moral and societal imperative. Empowering communities, raising awareness and fostering cooperation across sectors are all critical steps toward ensuring that Tanzanian children and women are protected from exploitation.

With the launch of the new 2025–2028 action plan, stakeholders are hopeful that Tanzania will strengthen its response, enhance victim protection and disrupt the networks that have long profited from human suffering.

The message from the training was clear: Combating human trafficking is a shared responsibility that requires continuous effort, vigilance and commitment from every level of society.