Trade Unions as Collective Actors

A street market scene beneath a concrete overpass where vendors display rows of shoes—sneakers, sandals, and dress shoes—directly on the pavement. People are seated near their merchandise or walking by, including one individual in a red patterned shirt and sunglasses. A large concrete wall with faded posters and a metal railing forms the background, highlighting informal urban commerce. — Creator: Gertrude Malizana

Empowering Workers: Building Democratic and Inclusive Trade Unions

FES has its roots in the German workers' movement. Its mandate is to strengthen trade unions as an independent, democratic voice for all workers, formal and informal.

Trade unions are under pressure. While challenges, such as automation and digitalization, range from the changing nature of the labor market, to economic liberalization and austerity to declining membership and climate change, Trade unions struggle with undergoing relevant changes, some being, becoming younger and more feminine.

We support trade unions in making political contributions to the future of the nation’s development model and a ‘Just Transition', that is, to go beyond 'bread-and-butter' issues. We also work with the trade unions on innovative ways to include informal workers, especially women, in their organizational structures. Thirdly, we want to give a stronger voice to women and young people in the Tanzanian trade union movement.

Two individuals stand side by side at a launch of the publication event, each holding up a booklet high. Behind them, a projection screen displays a slide titled “Bodaboda in Dar es Salaam: Towards Sustainable and Secure Livelihoods,” and a banner to the left reads the same as the booklet they are holding high. The setting suggests a presentation or promotional event focused on workers rights, emphasizing its role in workers rights movement. — Creator: Samwel Gidori

FES Tanzania and COTWU-T Launch Report on Bodaboda Sector: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Sustainable Transport

The report highlights that GBV is a pervasive issue, with women drivers reporting harassment and unsafe working environments, which not only affects their well-being but also discourages their participation in the sector.

A man stands in a seminar room, holding a piece of paper as he presents. He wears a black suit with an orange shirt. To his left is a flip chart with handwritten text. In front of him is a table with a blue water bottle and electronic equipment. A projector screen is visible in the background, reinforcing the educational setting focused on research methods. — Creator: VIBINDO

Health equity starts with informal sector inclusion

As of now, the combined coverage of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the Community Health Fund (CHF) remains below 8% of Tanzania’s total population, including formal and informal workers. This has resulted in a highly fragmented and...

Two individuals seated at a table in a meeting room setting. One, dressed in yellow, looks attentively at the other, who wears magenta and has one hand raised, possibly making a point or asking a question. Papers, a pen, and a smartphone lie on the table between them. In the background, other participants are seated and appear engaged, suggesting an active, collaborative discussion environment. — Creator: FES Tanzania

Tax Justice conference calls to close loopholes for loss of public resources

Since 2016 Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and Public Services International (PSI) affiliates, in collaboration with other stakeholders, have been running a campaign on Tax Justice in the mining sector in Tanzania. The campaign has contributed to...

A formal workshop or meeting with participants seated around a U-shaped table arrangement. Two men stand in the center, shaking hands—possibly marking a presentation or agreement—while another person captures the moment with a photo. The tables are covered with white and pink cloths and display bottled water, notebooks, and documents. Behind the handshake, a banner reads “FRIEDRICH EBERT STIFTUNG” and “It starts with people,” indicating the involvement of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Posters with handwritten notes are visible on the wall, suggesting interactive group work or brainstorming — Creator: TUCTA

Managing Tanzania's Mineral Resources for Socio-Economic Development and Progressive Public Service Investment

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tanzania, in collaboration with Public Service International (PSI) a Global Union, organized a comprehensive two-day workshop themed “Pushing the boundaries against spurious tax incentives in the mining sector in Tanzania for...

Workers or partners?

The political economy of UBER in Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Johannesburg

Johannesburg : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Trade Union Competence Centre for Sub-Saharan Africa, [2021]

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Tafsiri nyepesi ya sheria za kazi - Tanzania

(a simplified version of the Tanzania labour law) ; sheria ya majadiliano ya utumishi wa umma, na 19 ya 2003 ; sheria ya ajira na mahusiano kazini, na. 6 ya 2004 ; sheria ya asasi za kazi, na. 7 ya 2004

Dar es Salaam : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, [2009]

Nzowa, Evans Robson

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Mtaala wa elimu ya uongozi kwa vyama vya wafanyakazi Tanzania