Starting in 2007, following the signing of various EAC agreements, there will be free labour movement between the three EA countries. Do you think Tanzania will be able to compete with her counterparts – Kenya and Uganda in terms of labour?

NO. Tanzania is not ripe enough to compete with Kenya and Uganda in terms of labour. Most probably the two countries might saturate Tanzania with their labour force. First of all, the two countries have more elites than Tanzania. This is because they had higher learning institutions long before Tanzania had. Secondly, the curricula in Kenya and Uganda have been improved in such a way that the skills imparted have a focus on entrepreneurial, innovation and creativity skills.
Teresia Simon - Student.

NO. I can say that come the year 2007, over 50 per cent of the labour force in Tanzania will be from Kenya and Uganda. This is because of SAPs and globalization. By nature Tanzanians are not so hard working compared to Kenyans and Ugandans. We in Tanzania have always many lame excuses for being absent from work. Now, as globalization takes root most employers would not prefer excuses; they will need high performance to maximize profits. Hence I think only Kenyans and Ugandans would be able to face that challenge.
Jerome Kitumbu – Entrepreneur.

YES. I am sure that Tanzanians would be able to compete once the free labour movement becomes operational in 2007. I am saying this because employment opportunities would not be limited to Tanzania alone but Kenyans and Ugandans will have a lot of opportunities in their countries. Therefore it would be a bit difficult for them to leave the opportunities in their motherlands and rush to Tanzania. After all, a country like Uganda has low duties therefore more industries would be established there compared to Tanzania which has high tariffs. I am sure the labour force equilibrium would not be disturbed.
Bernard Zefa – Administrator.

NO. We should not deceive ourselves that come 2007, Tanzanians will still monopolise the labour market. This is because of changes that have taken place contrary to what happened in the EAC of the 1970s. Today we have opened our doors to investors and the government has stopped being the major employer. Job seekers will come from Kenya and Uganda to seek employment in the private sector enterprises. They will be well educated. Investors do not have the money to train personnel; that is why Tanzanians will be beaten.
Donatus Shilyanga – Clergy.

Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.