Africa-Press – Tanzania. IF you thought the library was just a place to cram for exams, think again.
On June 28th, the grounds outside the University of Dar es Sa- laam (UDSM) Library will transform into Tanzania’s hottest employment hub, here no suit and tie required, but a good handshake would not hurt.
Here, the 4th China- Tanzania Talent Exchange and Job Fair is not just an- other career event.
It is a powerhouse of opportunity, a symbol of international friendship and a golden tick- et for any Tanzanian youth tired of “just waiting for something to happen.”
To be precise, over 100 Chinese companies will be on site, offering more than 500 job positions across multiple sectors, from con- struction to communications, logistics to oil, manu- facturing to media.
And yes, they are hiring. “This fair is part of the ongoing China-Tanzania cooperation, which dates back to the leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Chairman Mao Ze- dong,” said Chun Kun, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, during a weekend press conference.
“Chinese companies enjoy working with Tanza- nians across various sectors. In this fourth edition of the fair, there will be a wide range of Chinese companies looking to hold face-to-face discussions with Tanzanians seeking employment.”
Some big names making an appearance? You will recognise Huawei, CRJE (East Africa), Sino-Tan In- dustrial Park, East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre and Panola Oil, among others.
These are not minor players, but they are shaping infrastructure, power, manufacturing and trade in Tanzania.
If you have ever walked over a bridge, driven on a smooth highway, or seen a towering crane on the skyline, it is likely their work.
Past glories, present opportunities
The first-ever fair was held in 2016. It was a game- changer.
Over 100 Chinese companies participated, offering more than 2,000 jobs to the 10,000 Tanzanian youth who attended.
This was not some vague promise. People got hired.
“Since the launch of this fair, we have seen many Tanzanian youths grow and succeed while working with Chinese companies,” said Huang Zaisheng, Chairman of the Association of Chinese Companies in Tanzania.
“For example, one participant from the first fair secured a job with China Railway Construction Group and was later pro- moted to project manager.”
That is right. From fresh graduate to running the show. And it is not just about a job, it is about training, mentorship and leader- ship development.
“Chinese companies empower their employees to perform better through training pro- grammes that help build leadership in their respec- tive fields,” Huang emphasised.
This is not a career fair. It is a talent incubator.
Bridging language with livelihood
If you are worried you don’t know a single word in Mandarin beyond “Ni hao,” don’t panic.
Help is on the way and already here. To begin with Prof Zhang Xiaozhen, the Chi- nese Director at the Confucius Institute, University of Dar es Salaam, the key figure behind this grow- ing partnership said: “The Confucius Institute was established in 2013 and of- fers various programs such as short-term Chinese language training, elective uni- versity courses, a Diploma in Chinese and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Chi- nese and English).”
There is even a Kung Fu club, just in case you are into round- house kicks and inner peace. The Institute has already expanded to schools and universities across Tanzania including Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE), Ardhi University, the National College of Tourism, St Augustine University and even Mlimani Primary. Currently, over 6,000 Tanzanians are studying Chinese.
Yes, 6,000. “We aim to promote the ‘China-Africa Youth Growth Together’ initiative and contribute to the community and society,” Prof Zhang added.
And as they say, when opportunity knocks, it helps if you can greet it in its native language.
The fair is not a one-off occasion; it has become a fixture in China- Tanzania relations.
Let’s rewind a bit: In 2016, the first fair happened with support from the Chinese Embassy and the Confucius Institute. Over 10,000 students showed up.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr Aquilina Kweka, praised the event as “a testament to the enduring friendship between our nations.”
Prof Khamis Omar Khamis, then UDSM Deputy Vice-Chancellor, called it “a bridge for cultural ex- change.”
In 2017, the second fair had none other than Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, then Vice-President, inaugurating the event.
That’s how serious this is. And in 2024, with China-Tanzania ties celebrating their 60th anniversary, the third fair welcomed Coun- sellor Chun Kun and Deputy Minister Omari Kipanga as guests of honour.
About 60 companies offered 400 job positions. It has been growing steadily and now 2025 promises the biggest turnout yet.
Youth together forge the future
“This year’“This year’s event will ex- pand in scale and impact,” said Janson Huang, Presi- dent of the China Enterprise Chamber of Commerce in Tanzania.
“About 100 Chi- nese and Sino-Tanzanian joint ventures will participate, offering over 500 positions across sectors like con- struction, manufacturing, media and services.”
Huang stressed that the fair is more than a hiring spree, it is about shaping futures.
“Whether you are a university graduate, vo- cational student, or young professional, this is your platform to discover tailored career paths.” And this isn’t one-sided. Chinese companies gain too. “Tanzanian youth have consistently impressed us with their capabilities, infusing fresh perspectives into businesses and aiding their localisation,” Huang added.
If you are reading this and you are a young Tanzanian wondering where to begin, the answer is simple: begin at UDSM Library Square on June 28.
Bring your CV, your confidence and maybe even your curiosity about dumplings and dragon dances.
This fair is not just for Chinese companies; it is for you. It is for that student who wants more than an internship in a dusty office.
It is for the vocational grad with sharp skills and no connections. It is for the dreamer who just needs one chance.
With opportunities like these, the future is not something to wait for, it is some- thing to show up for. Prefer- ably on time. Preferably at the UDSM Library Square.
Preferably with your game face on. China is hiring. Are you in?
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