Agriculture features prominently in CUF’s economic transformation agenda. The party says it views the sector not merely as subsistence farming but as an engine of job creation and industrial growth.
Dar es Salaam. Opposition party Civic United Front (CUF) has pledged to tackle the unemployment crisis facing young people and women in Tanzania by creating five million jobs in its first five years in office if elected in 2025.
According to the party’s election manifesto, job creation will be driven by comprehensive policies in agriculture, manufacturing, technology and small businesses.
“A Government of National Unity under CUF will ensure the creation of at least one million new jobs annually across various sectors,” the manifesto reads.
Agriculture features prominently in CUF’s economic transformation agenda. The party says it views the sector not merely as subsistence farming but as an engine of job creation and industrial growth.
“In the next five years, the agriculture budget will account for between 10 and 15 percent of the national budget. This will boost productivity and support the establishment of industries that use local raw materials and employ large numbers of people,” the manifesto states.
Youth and women empowerment
The party has prioritised youth and women in its plans to ensure equal employment opportunities.
“We will establish a Youth and Women Employment Empowerment Fund that will provide affordable loans, entrepreneurship training and start-up capital,” said CUF national chairman, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba, when unveiling the manifesto in Dar es Salaam.
The manifesto also notes that CUF intends to prepare young people not only as employees but also as employers by encouraging them to start businesses and productive projects.
Jobs through science, technology and innovation
With the economy moving into the digital era, CUF has pledged to create jobs through science, technology and innovation.
“The Government of National Unity will introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills training from nursery and primary school levels to lay a strong foundation of technological awareness for children and youth,” the manifesto states.
The party has also promised to establish AI research and innovation centres in universities, enabling students to develop solutions to Tanzania’s challenges.
“We will prepare students to participate fully in the AI-driven economy and new technology-based jobs,” it adds.
SMEs as job creators
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be given special attention. CUF says it will create a conducive business environment to stimulate entrepreneurship.
“A CUF-led government will ensure that SMEs access affordable loans, business insurance and tax-friendly policies so that they can thrive and employ millions of Tanzanians,” the manifesto explains.
Aligning education with the job market
The manifesto also underscores the importance of education in sustainable employment.
“A Government of National Unity under CUF will ensure vocational education and practical training are directly linked to industries and production sectors,” it says.
The goal is to ensure that graduates are ready for the job market, with vocational institutions developing direct programmes with industries to prevent graduates from remaining jobless.
Decent and fair jobs
Beyond the numbers, CUF stresses the quality of employment. The manifesto pledges to ensure that all jobs are decent, with fair wages and health insurance for workers.
It also commits to ending exploitative employment practices, banning jobs without contracts and strengthening workers’ rights.
CUF has highlighted strategic sectors that will drive employment creation, including tourism, fisheries, clean energy and infrastructure.
“These sectors have the potential to generate significant numbers of direct and indirect jobs,” the manifesto notes.
Employment as a foundation
Overall, CUF has placed job creation at the centre of its 2025 manifesto, promising sweeping employment reforms under a Government of National Unity.
The party argues that its approach will promote inclusive growth, social justice and national stability.
