Tanzania should look beyond traditional exports and tap the growing international market for services and skilled workers, Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga has said.
Ms Kapinga made the remarks after joining Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba on a visit to Mowasalat, Qatar’s state-owned public transport company, which employs 722 Tanzanians in various positions.
The minister described the employment of Tanzanians at the company as an important opportunity for young people to earn incomes while acquiring skills and experience in the international labour market.
“The employment of 722 Tanzanians is an important opportunity for our young people to secure jobs, develop their skills and gain experience in the global labour market,” Ms Kapinga said.
She said the government would continue prioritising investment in educated and skilled young people as part of efforts to expand employment opportunities, strengthen human capital and increase national income.
But Ms Kapinga also urged Tanzania to rethink its approach to exports, arguing that the country should increasingly view services and the skills of its workforce as part of its export potential.
She directed the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE) to place greater emphasis on identifying, developing and promoting opportunities for Tanzanian service providers in international markets.
She said the performance of the services sector should become one of the key indicators used to measure progress in expanding Tanzania’s exports.
The minister’s remarks come as Tanzanians continue seeking employment opportunities in foreign labour markets, where workers can earn incomes while gaining experience in sectors such as transport and other services.
The Mowasalat visit therefore offered an example of how international companies can provide employment opportunities for Tanzanian workers while exposing them to global standards and workplace practices.
Ms Kapinga said Tanzania could benefit more from such opportunities by strengthening skills development and creating mechanisms to connect qualified Tanzanians with demand in international markets.
The government’s focus on services exports would complement traditional exports of goods by creating another avenue for Tanzanians to earn income and for the country to generate foreign exchange.