Tanzania Investment and Consultant Group Ltd

| Economic Research Centre

Understanding Tanzania's Unemployment Rate
April 26, 2024  
The unemployment rate in Tanzania refers to the percentage of the labor force that is without a job and actively seeking employment: While there has been a slight improvement in the unemployment rate in Tanzania, it is expected to remain relatively stable in the coming years, with some fluctuations around the 8.90 to 9 percent […]

The unemployment rate in Tanzania refers to the percentage of the labor force that is without a job and actively seeking employment:

  1. Unemployment Rate in 2022 and 2021:
  • In 2022, the unemployment rate in Tanzania decreased to 8.90 percent from 9 percent in 2021.
  • This indicates a slight improvement in the employment situation from the previous year.
  1. Historical Average:
  • The average unemployment rate in Tanzania from 2001 until 2022 was 10.31 percent.
  • This shows that over this period, Tanzania has generally experienced a relatively high unemployment rate.
  1. All-Time High and Low:
  • The highest unemployment rate recorded in Tanzania was 12.90 percent in 2001.
  • The lowest unemployment rate recorded was 8.90 percent in 2022.
  1. 2024 Projection:
  • The unemployment rate in Tanzania is expected to reach 8.80 percent by the end of 2024.
  • This projection is based on TICGL macroeconomic models and analysts' expectations.
  1. Long-Term Projection:
  • In the long term, the unemployment rate in Tanzania is projected to trend around 8.90 percent in 2024 and 9 percent in 2025.
  • These projections are based on econometric models.

While there has been a slight improvement in the unemployment rate in Tanzania, it is expected to remain relatively stable in the coming years, with some fluctuations around the 8.90 to 9 percent range.

Tanzania's unemployment rate and country's economic growth:

  1. Decreasing Unemployment Rate: The fact that the unemployment rate decreased from 9% in 2021 to 8.90% in 2022 shows that there might be some positive developments in the economy. Lower unemployment rates often indicate increased economic activity and growth.
  2. Long-Term Stability: Despite fluctuations, the long-term trend is projected to be relatively stable, with the unemployment rate hovering around 8.90% in 2024 and 9% in 2025. This stability can be indicative of a balanced and steady economic growth trajectory.
  3. Historical Context: Although the average unemployment rate from 2001 to 2022 was 10.31%, the current rates are lower than this average. This shows that there may have been improvements in the labor market over time, which could be attributed to economic growth and development initiatives.
  4. Projections: The projections for 2024 show a further decrease in the unemployment rate to 8.80%. This could imply expectations of continued economic growth and possibly increased job creation opportunities.

The decreasing unemployment rate, stable long-term projections, and historical context suggest a positive outlook for Tanzania's economic growth. Lower unemployment rates often accompany economic expansion, indicating that businesses are hiring more workers and contributing to overall economic activity.

Note: The unemployment rate is calculated by dividing the number of unemployed individuals by the total labor force, then multiplying by 100 to express it as a percentage. Here's the formula:

  1. Number of Unemployed: This refers to the total number of people who are without a job but actively seeking employment. This includes individuals who are able to work, available for work, and actively seeking employment.
  2. Labor Force: This includes all people who are either employed or unemployed and actively seeking employment. It doesn't include those who are not actively participating in the labor market, such as students, retirees, or individuals not seeking work.

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