How reskilling, tech are set to revolutionise the workforce

Dar es Salaam. As the world hurtles forward in the age of technological advancements, companies globally are scrambling to stay ahead. For individuals looking to secure or advance their careers, it’s no longer enough to rely on traditional skills.

Today, resilience, flexibility, agility, and social influence are key to staying relevant in the ever-changing job market.

According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum (WEF), 39 percent of workers’ core skills will change by 2030.

The report highlighted that the fastest-growing skills will be in areas such as AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, among others.

The WEF lists “creative thinking, resilience, flexibility and agility, curiosity and lifelong learning, leadership and social influence, talent management, analytical thinking, and environmental stewardship” as critical competencies for the workforce of the future.

To prepare for this shift, the report emphasizes the importance of fostering talent availability by focusing on employee health and well-being, alongside reskilling and upskilling opportunities.

Speaking to The Citizen, Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) secretary general, Mr Henry Mkunda, emphasised that companies must actively address these changes by providing more opportunities for training and retraining.

“Training and retraining are vital to ensuring employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet organizational goals and objectives,” Mr Mkunda stated.

He also pointed out that it is the employer’s responsibility to offer continuous development programs for their employees.

“In order to fulfil these obligations, employers should provide ample training to long-term employees who already understand the organization’s culture.

Exposing these employees to companies that are more advanced in technology will help them meet the demands of the changing world and strengthen workplace relationships,” he added.

On the other hand, Human Resources professional at Workspace Media, Aisha Hassan, echoed the need for companies to embrace technological adoption early on to stay ahead of the curve.

“Organizations need to adopt new tools and technologies. This allows employees to familiarize themselves with the software, platforms, and systems that are shaping the future of industry,” she said.

She further highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, where employees are encouraged to experiment with new ideas and skills.

“Designing career pathways that align with technological advancements will help employees grow and adapt their skills to meet the future needs of the organization,” she concluded.

According to economic analyst, Dr Balozi Morwa, emphasized that for Tanzania to remain competitive, the country’s education system must be restructured to empower individuals not only to secure jobs but also to create their own opportunities and businesses.

“The education system must undergo a complete transformation to ensure that it equips individuals to be self-employed and entrepreneurial, using the tools and knowledge required for the future,” Dr Morwa stated.

An industry expert Rasul Abdul, underscored the importance of a stable and healthy workforce for fostering creativity and productivity.

“Investing in the well-being of employees leads to a more efficient and innovative workforce. A healthy population is more likely to be creative and contribute significantly to the workplace,” he concluded.

In conclusion, as we look towards the future, it is clear that both the private sector and the education system must adapt to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

By investing in reskilling, technology adoption, and employee well-being, Tanzania can ensure its workforce remains competitive, innovative, and ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.