Government Unveils Comprehensive Strategy to Boost Graduate Employment
The government has introduced a wide-ranging strategy aimed at increasing employment opportunities for university and college graduates. This initiative includes large-scale strategic projects, support for small and medium-sized industries, and innovation programs designed to address the growing challenge of graduate unemployment.
During a parliamentary session on Friday, January 30, 2026, Deputy Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations), Ms Rahma Kisuo, outlined these measures in response to a question from Special Seats Member of Parliament (MP) Regina Malima about how the government plans to create more jobs for graduates.
Ms Kisuo highlighted that thousands of jobs have already been created through major national development projects implemented in recent years. These projects have absorbed graduates from various academic backgrounds, providing them with valuable work experience and career opportunities.
Major Infrastructure Projects Generating Jobs
Several key infrastructure projects have contributed significantly to job creation. For instance:
- The construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) generated over 35,000 jobs.
- The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project created more than 10,000 jobs.
- The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project provided another 10,000 jobs.
- The Msalato International Airport project in Dodoma resulted in over 1,500 jobs.
- The JPM Bridge (Kigongo–Busisi) construction created more than 1,500 jobs.
- The expansion of Dar es Salaam Port led to over 3,000 new job opportunities.
These figures demonstrate the substantial impact of large-scale projects on employment, particularly for young professionals seeking to enter the workforce.
Strengthening Employability Through Skills Development
Beyond infrastructure, the government is also focusing on enhancing employability through skills development and work-experience programs. Ms Kisuo shared that 29,902 graduates across different education levels have benefited from internship opportunities. Additionally, 19,075 workers have received skills upgrading in sectors such as hospitality, mining, transport, agriculture, and agro-processing under the National Skills Development Programme.
“These initiatives aim to equip beneficiaries with skills that match labour market demands,” she noted.
To ensure consistency in training and internships, the government has developed National Guidelines for Practical Training for Graduates. These guidelines standardize the provision of internships and workplace training across both public and private sectors.
A 2025 Public Service Volunteering Guideline has also been prepared to establish a formal framework for recruiting and managing young volunteers in public institutions. This initiative aims to provide additional opportunities for graduates to gain experience and contribute to national development.
Supporting Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment
In addition to traditional employment avenues, the government is promoting self-employment by offering low-interest loans and grants through empowerment funds. These financial tools are designed to help graduates start their own businesses.
Entrepreneurship training programs are also being rolled out to foster a culture of innovation and business development among young professionals. By encouraging entrepreneurship, the government hopes to create more job opportunities and reduce dependency on formal employment.
Conclusion
The government’s multifaceted approach to addressing graduate unemployment highlights a commitment to sustainable economic growth and youth empowerment. Through a combination of infrastructure development, skills training, and support for entrepreneurship, the nation is taking significant steps toward creating a more inclusive and dynamic labor market.