Dar es Salaam. The Civic United Front (CUF) has placed employment at the heart of its 2025 election manifesto, pledging sweeping reforms to fight joblessness and drive inclusive growth.
The word “employment” appears 203 times in the document, underscoring its centrality. CUF argues that unemployment is not just a socio-economic challenge but the foundation of national wellbeing and transformation.
The party notes that many young Tanzanians are trapped in low-paying, unproductive activities that barely sustain them, giving rise to the phrase “vyuma vimekaza” (tightened screws), a shorthand for hard economic times. CUF says this reflects a system failing to inspire hope.
CUF plans to expand industries and innovation, pointing out that only 391,275 people—just 1.1 percent of Tanzania’s 36 million-strong labour force—are employed in industry. The party pledges to boost investment in small and large industries, add value to crops, and process goods locally.
Cassava would be processed into starch, honey into cosmetics, and cashews into packaged products. CUF argues this will boost farmers’ incomes, create rural jobs, and stimulate sectors such as trade and transport.
Digital economy and special groups
The manifesto pledges to empower people with disabilities and link education to new job sectors through research and innovation hubs. The digital economy is highlighted as a major source of youth employment.
CUF aims to attract global tech firms by leveraging renewable energy resources. Targets include five clean-energy-powered data centres by 2030, a 40 percent increase in ICT jobs, and a Digital Youth Corps enrolling 500,000 young people annually. The party projects over one million new jobs in the sector.
Informal and traditional sectors
CUF promises to formalise the informal sector, which employs over 70 percent of Tanzanians, so that small traders, food vendors, boda boda operators, artisans, and miners benefit from social protection and contribute to revenue.
In agriculture, which employs more than 65 percent of the population, CUF pledges to expand irrigated land from 0.7 million hectares to 2.5 million by 2030 and raise crop yields from 1.5 tonnes to four tonnes per hectare.
Fisheries will also be modernised to support the blue economy, while mining, forestry, and tourism are earmarked for large-scale job creation.
The party targets 500,000 formal mining jobs within five years, 500,000 forestry jobs through legal enterprises, and tourism growth from 1.5 million visitors in 2024 to five million by 2030—raising sector employment to 1.2 million.
Infrastructure and youth fund
Major infrastructure projects, including roads, rail, and urban transport, are expected to provide thousands of jobs. The Standard Gauge Railway alone is projected to generate over 30,000 direct jobs.
CUF also proposes a Special Youth Employment Fund, managed with private sector input, to channel resources directly into youth-led projects and innovation.
Clear targets
Unlike broad political pledges, CUF’s manifesto sets measurable goals, from irrigation to digital hubs and tourism. The party says its plan puts jobs at the centre of poverty reduction and growth, offering a genuine debate on the future of Tanzanian youth.
In a climate where “vyuma vimekaza” has become a byword for hardship, CUF vows to turn it into a story of hope, opportunity, and decent work for all.
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