Speaking during a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed senior officials in Dodoma, President Samia said the government must move faster to protect workers’ rights, improve public service delivery and ensure state agencies operate with greater efficiency and transparency.

The directives come as many African economies face mounting pressure to create jobs for rapidly growing youth populations while reforming public institutions to attract investment and sustain economic growth.

“There is a need for close supervision of labour systems to guarantee that workers receive their rightful entitlements while maintaining productive relations with employers,” President Samia said.

Her remarks accompanied the swearing-in of Dr Evaline Munisi as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, alongside several senior government officials.

A major focus of the President’s address was overseas employment, an area gaining increasing importance across Africa as governments seek new labour export opportunities amid limited domestic job creation.

President Samia said more than 7,000 Tanzanian youth have already secured employment abroad through coordinated government-supported programmes, reflecting a broader regional trend in which countries are increasingly integrating into global labour markets, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Asia.

However, she warned that stronger safeguards are needed to protect workers from exploitation and ensure accountability among recruitment agencies.

“There must be proper systems to safeguard our youth and ensure that the opportunities benefit both the individuals and the nation,” she said.

Several African countries, including Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, have also expanded overseas labour programmes in recent years, though concerns over worker welfare and recruitment standards remain a major policy challenge across the continent.

Beyond labour reforms, President Samia used the occasion to sharpen her government’s message on institutional accountability.

She raised concerns over operational weaknesses at the Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics Services Agency, citing issues identified in reports by the national audit office, including complaints linked to vehicle inspection services.

The President directed the agency’s leadership to implement immediate corrective measures aimed at restoring efficiency and public confidence.

The ceremony also marked the swearing-in of Engineer Peter Mwasalyanda as Director General of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority and Dr Jabir Bakari as Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority.

President Samia told the new appointees that public office carries a duty of integrity and service, warning against abuse of power and urging leaders to prioritise professionalism and accountability.

“Leadership is a trust, and those entrusted with it must act with professionalism, humility and a strong sense of responsibility to the people,” she said.

The directives form part of broader reform efforts under President Samia’s administration, which has sought to position Tanzania as a more competitive investment destination while improving governance standards and expanding economic opportunities for its young population.

Notes to Editors

– President Samia Suluhu Hassan issued directives aimed at strengthening labour oversight, overseas employment governance and accountability across public institutions during a swearing-in ceremony in Dodoma.

– The reforms come amid growing pressure across Africa to address youth unemployment, improve governance standards and create sustainable economic opportunities for expanding young populations.

– Dr Evaline Munisi was sworn in as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations.

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