NJOMBE: Trade Union Congress of Tanzania has pledged to mobilise workers across Tanzania in support of the country’s ambitious Development Vision 2050 strategy, positioning labour and decent work at the centre of efforts to transform the economy into a more industrialised, inclusive and competitive regional powerhouse.
Speaking during International Workers’ Day celebrations in Njombe, union leaders said workers would play a decisive role in helping Tanzania achieve long-term goals aimed at accelerating economic growth, reducing poverty and expanding formal employment opportunities.
The labour movement also called on citizens to uphold peace, patriotism, unity and social solidarity, describing them as critical foundations for sustaining economic transformation and national stability.
TUCTA Secretary General Hery Mkunda said Tanzania’s Vision 2050 agenda seeks not only to grow the economy but also to ensure broader social and economic inclusion through decent work opportunities.
Among the targets highlighted by labour leaders are increasing per capita income levels, eliminating extreme poverty and ensuring that at least 50 percent of the national workforce is employed in formal and decent jobs.
“Patriotism, peace, solidarity, stability and inclusiveness are essential in achieving the Vision 2050 goals,” Mkunda said.
His remarks reflect growing efforts by Tanzanian policymakers, labour organisations and private sector groups to align workforce development with the country’s wider industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.
Like many emerging African economies, Tanzania faces mounting pressure to create jobs for a rapidly expanding young population while improving productivity, labour protections and access to formal employment.
Union leaders said the government has already introduced reforms aimed at preparing workers for future economic demands through investments in education, skills development and labour protection systems.
These measures include reforms to education and training programmes, expansion of labour-related initiatives such as universal health coverage and broader implementation of decent work policies.
Labour officials also highlighted the growing use of tripartite dialogue mechanisms involving government, employers and workers’ organisations as part of efforts to strengthen labour relations and improve workplace cooperation.
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According to TUCTA, collaboration between government and labour stakeholders has contributed to several recent reforms, including lower income tax rates affecting minimum wage earners, expansion of collective bargaining agreements and introduction of incentive schemes for public sector workers.
Union leaders also pointed to reforms within social security systems and continued public sector recruitment aimed at addressing staffing shortages and improving service delivery.
Officials say hundreds of thousands of public servants have received promotions between 2021 and 2025 as part of broader workforce reform efforts.
On the international stage, labour leaders praised Tanzania for aligning labour policies with standards promoted by the International Labour Organization.
TUCTA officials said Tanzania continues to play an active role in regional and global labour governance discussions and has ratified most key international labour conventions.
TUCTA President Tumaini Nyamhokya also commended government initiatives aimed at expanding employment opportunities for young people, including overseas labour programmes that have enabled thousands of Tanzanians to secure jobs abroad.
At the same time, he said some labour-related challenges remain, particularly concerning workers seeking promotions and salary adjustments after completing additional education and professional training.
Nyamhokya also called for stricter enforcement of revised minimum wage regulations, noting that while many employers had complied with the new standards, some businesses had yet to fully implement them.
Regional representatives from the International Labour Organization also praised Tanzania’s focus on strengthening labour protections and promoting decent work as part of broader economic and social development goals.
Carolyn Mugala said Tanzania’s emphasis on social dialogue and labour reforms supports inclusive growth and social justice.
She said the ILO would continue supporting Tanzania in areas including labour inspections, elimination of child labour and improved protection for vulnerable workers, especially domestic workers.
Business leaders attending the celebrations also stressed the importance of maintaining a stable and competitive investment environment capable of supporting industrial growth and large-scale job creation.
Association of Tanzania Employers chairperson Omar Mgaya said improving the business climate would be essential for expanding formal employment opportunities and sustaining long-term economic growth.
He also welcomed ongoing tax reform initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy and encouraging investment.