- Over 600,000 jobs created by mid-2024
DODOMA: TANZANIA’s job market is booming, with over 600,000 jobs created in the first seven months of 2024, driven by government initiatives and private sector expansion.
This notable milestone aligns with the government’s broader objectives to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities across the nation.
A total of 607,475 jobs were generated between January and July, part of the government’s ambitious plan to achieve eight million new jobs in line with the 2020–2025 election manifesto of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office for Labour, Youths, Employment and People with Disabilities, Patrobas Katambi, stated that the government’s annual target is to create 1.2 million jobs.
Deputy Minister Katambi shared these insights in response to a question from Special Seats MP Esther Maleko (CCM), who inquired about the government’s strategies for increasing job opportunities abroad for Tanzanians, as well as efforts to achieve the manifesto’s 8-million job target.
In his response, Katambi highlighted that the government is leveraging bilateral agreements, having signed with three countries and aiming for agreements with five more, including Arab League nations. He outlined additional strategies, such as using Tanzanian embassies to seek overseas job placements and engaging the Tanzanian diaspora in these efforts.
“Tanzanians can also secure jobs abroad through personal efforts, depending on qualifications, talents or skills, such as athletic ability or other unique talents,” said Katambi.
Educational institutions and ministries further contribute to international employment placements, with Tanzanians securing roles in research and UN agencies. Katambi cited Dr Faustine Ndugulile as an example of a Tanzanian working internationally.
To support these initiatives, the government plans to conduct the Integrated Labour Force Survey (ILFS) and Employment Earnings Survey through the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with the World Bank.
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In her initial question, Special Seats MP Shally Raymond (CCM) asked about measures to attract foreign experts and the number of Tanzanians working abroad.
Katambi noted the enactment of the Foreign Employment Coordination Act No. 1 of 2015, alongside 2016 regulations, which set clear criteria for work permits, covering qualifications, skills and experience.
“This law includes Class D Work Permits specifically for foreign experts in fields where skills are limited in Tanzania, such as healthcare, mathematics and science education, oil and gas and scientific research. These permits come with reduced fees compared to other categories,” he explained.
Foreign experts outside these categories must be identified by authorities or professional boards such as the Ministry of Education or the Engineers Board.
In a follow-up question, Special Seats MP Grace Tendega (CHADEMA) asked how the government identifies and communicates overseas job opportunities to Tanzanians.
Katambi noted that the government is implementing a plan through the Tanzania Employment Services Agency (TaESA) to track job opportunities advertised online, notifying qualified Tanzanians in their database and providing training to meet job requirements.
Deputy Minister Katambi added that many countries are eager to employ Tanzanians in specialised roles, particularly those with advanced skills.
Makunduchi MP Haji Amour Haji (CCM) questioned why TaESA operates as the sole employment agency in Tanzania. Katambi clarified that TaESA oversees employment matters on behalf of the Prime Minister’s Office under current laws, with a Labour Commissioner managing both domestic and international agreements.
He added that private agencies, such as Global Link, also collaborate with the government to find employment and study opportunities abroad.
“Tanzanians can also register private agencies to assist with job placements. TaESA, however, maintains a comprehensive database of experts within Tanzania, helping the government plan effectively in this area,” Katambi concluded.
