UDSM hosts 3rd China-TZ job fair after six-year hiatus

DAR ES SALAAM: THE University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), in collaboration with the Confucius Institute, over the weekend, hosted the third edition of the China-Tanzania Job Fair after a six-year break, offering students and graduates from different universities across the country the opportunity to meet potential employers.

This marks the first time since 2017 that the event has been held, with previous interruptions caused by challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during the event, UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye urged participants to seize the opportunity and actively pursue available job openings.

“Do not wait for jobs to come to you. Be proactive in seeking opportunities wherever you hear of them,” he said.

Participants at the fair had the chance to interview with several companies, with some expected to receive job offers by the end of the day.

Prof Anangisye also emphasised the importance of competitiveness in the job market, noting that employers will always select the most qualified candidates.

“Employment is a competition. The first to be hired is always the best candidate,” he said.

He further advised the youth to embrace patience and integrity in their career paths.

“If you want to succeed, take your time. Avoid shortcuts or illegal ways to achieve success,” he advised.

Moreover, the Vice Chancellor urged those who will be employed to uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity.

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“When you are employed, do not engage in corruption. Live by the principles of your profession and maintain discipline at all times,” he advised.

However, the event, which attracted over 100 Chinese enterprises operating in Tanzania, saw them offering over 500 job positions across various sectors.

The Chairperson of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Tanzania, Mr Shi Yong, emphasised the long-term benefits of the presence of Chinese businesses in the country, particularly in creating direct employment opportunities for Tanzanians.

“We believe that the presence of these enterprises in Tanzania will continue to create significant employment opportunities for Tanzanians. We are committed to ensuring that more job opportunities are made available as part of the long-term collaboration between China and Tanzania,” he said.

Chairman of Chinese enterprises association investment branch, Mr Huang Zai Sheng said that the Chinese enterprises are committed to fostering continuous growth in the job market, stating, “We will continue to offer more job opportunities as part of our cooperation with Tanzania, ensuring that Tanzanians benefit directly from the presence of these businesses.”

For her part, the Director of the Confucius Institute (CI) at UDSM, Prof Zhang Xiaozhen, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries.

“China and Tanzania share a long history of cooperation in education, trade and development. This job fair reflects the continued commitment of both nations to work together for progress in all sectors,” she noted.

On the other hand, the Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Omari Kipanga, also praised the initiative, highlighting the role it plays in addressing the country’s unemployment challenges.

“We are aware of the issue of unemployment facing many young Tanzanians and events like this job fair provide a crucial platform for some of them to transition from job seekers to employees.,” he said.

Deputy President of the Dar es Salaam University Students’ Organisation (DARUSO), Neerali Solanki, commented: “It’s often the case that graduates seek out job opportunities, but today, these opportunities are coming directly to them at this job fair.