DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA expanding engagement with China continues to unlock new economic and employment opportunities, with Chinese language proficiency emerging as a key asset for young professionals and key industries nationwide.
Speaking at the African Chinese Language Teachers’ Awards and Teaching Excellence Competition held in Dar es Salaam last week, Confucius Institute (CI) Director Professor Zhang Xiaozhen said the institute has trained more than 50,000 Tanzanians since its establishment in 2013, many of whom have secured employment or launched their own businesses.
“So far, CI has cultivated more than 50,000 students at different levels and all of them have secured employment,” she said.
She noted that the institute has so far produced 298 Bachelor’s degree graduates, 51 Diploma holders and thousands of short-course trainees, including senior executives from leading construction companies. Prof Zhang said that Chinese language skills have become a direct driver of job creation.
“All Chinese learners can find a good job in Tanzania or start their own business. Companies prefer interpreters who know both Chinese and Kiswahili because it enhances communication,” she explained.
She added that effective communication remains central to achieving Tanzania’s economic goals: “If the employee and employer can understand each other, efficiency improves greatly and aligns with Tanzania’s broader investment aspirations.”
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To expand opportunities further, CI plans to introduce new programmes such as ‘Chinese & Tourism’ and ‘Chinese & other subjects’, enabling students to combine language proficiency with sector-specific skills.
Kinondoni District Commissioner Mr Saad Mtambule underscored the role of language in advancing modern economic diplomacy.
“Language is crucial for enhancing economic diplomacy and strengthening relationships between communities. Chinese is one of the languages fulfilling this mission… language itself is employment,” he said. He added that Chinese, being the world’s most widely spoken language, offers vast opportunities for African youth.
“By learning this language, you open many doors and ease communication between African and Chinese speakers. I urge young people to continue learning so they can benefit from current and future opportunities.” Mr Mtambule also encouraged Chinese language teachers to use their platforms to promote African languages, particularly Kiswahili, globally.
He further stressed the importance of Chinese proficiency for professionals supervising Chinese-funded projects, adding:
“I will also come to learn so I can oversee ongoing projects, especially those implemented by Chinese companies more effectively.” Representing the UDSM, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Dr Mathew Senga reaffirmed the University of Dar es Salaam’s strong partnership with China.
“Since its establishment in 2013, the Confucius Institute at UDSM has been a vital link in cooperation between China and Tanzania through teaching, research, consultancy and cultural activities,” he said.
He added that the Institute serves as a major bridge connecting students to scholarships and employment opportunities, particularly in Chinese companies operating in Tanzania.
“At UDSM, Chinese language programmes continue to attract students from diverse disciplines, equipping them with essential linguistic and cultural skills needed in today’s global economy. These efforts have made UDSM a leader in Chinese language and cultural studies.”