The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that large strategic projects implemented across the country create more employment opportunities for Tanzanians, particularly the youth.
Speaking in Parliament in Dodoma on April 9, 2026, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Rahma Kisuo, said the government continues to enforce policies and laws aimed at prioritising local employment in major development projects.
She was responding to a question from Special Seats Member of Parliament Jasmine Chesco, who asked what plans the government has to ensure that young Tanzanians benefit from employment opportunities generated by mega projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway and airport construction.
Ms Kisuo told the House that the government is implementing several policy and legal frameworks to safeguard job opportunities for Tanzanians.
These include the National Employment Policy of 2008, the National Energy Policy of 2015, the Petroleum Act (Cap. 392), and the Mining Act (Cap. 123).
She noted that ongoing strategic projects have already generated thousands of jobs for Tanzanians across different sectors.
According to the deputy minister, more than 35,000 jobs have been created through the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway. In addition, the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline has provided more than 10,000 employment opportunities.
She added that more than 2,497 jobs have been created through the construction of the Msalato International Airport as well as the expansion of the Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Other major infrastructure projects have also contributed to employment creation, including more than 1,500 jobs generated through the construction of the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge and over 3,000 jobs from the ongoing expansion of the Port of Dar es Salaam.
Beyond job creation, the government is also investing in skills development to ensure Tanzanian youth are equipped with the competencies required to participate effectively in large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects.
Ms Kisuo said this is being implemented through the National Skills Development Programme, which aims to equip young people with practical skills needed in industries and strategic national projects.
The initiative, she said, is part of broader government efforts to strengthen local participation in key development projects while reducing unemployment and promoting sustainable economic growth.
