The future of Tanzania’s railway transport is not only about faster trains—it’s also about jobs and economic growth. The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has officially announced the recruitment of 2,460 new employees to support the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, a mega-infrastructure development expected to transform travel and trade in the country, Tanzania Railways Corporation to Recruit 2,460 Staff for SGR Project.
Phased Recruitment Plan
According to TRC, the recruitment exercise will be conducted in phases to ensure smooth integration of staff into the project.
- In the 2024/25 financial year, more than 500 employees were hired.
- In the 2025/26 financial year, an additional 272 positions are expected to be filled.
- The process will continue until all 2,460 vacancies are fully covered.
| Financial Year | Number of Employees Recruited | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 500+ | First phase of hiring completed |
| 2025/26 | 272 | Ongoing recruitment |
| Ongoing (until completion) | Remaining positions to reach 2,460 | To be filled in subsequent phases |
This move comes as part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to strengthen the workforce behind the SGR, which stretches from Dar es Salaam to Makutopora.
Over 115,000 Jobs Already Created
Beyond the direct TRC recruitment, the SGR project has already been a massive job generator. Data shows that contractors working across the first six phases of the project have created over 115,000 jobs for Tanzanians.
Breaking down the numbers:
- 35,000 jobs were direct – ranging from skilled engineers and technicians to support staff.
- 80,000+ jobs were indirect, benefiting small businesses such as:
- Food vendors
- Motorcycle (boda boda) and tricycle taxi (bajaji) operators
- Mobile communication agents
- Money transfer service providers
This demonstrates how large-scale infrastructure projects can stimulate not just employment but also entrepreneurship in surrounding communities.
Government’s Directive: Jobs for Tanzanians
The TRC emphasized that these opportunities align with the government’s directive requiring all major state projects to directly benefit Tanzanians. This includes creating jobs for people across different education levels—whether primary school leavers or professionals with specialized technical skills.
The SGR project is therefore more than just a transport revolution; it is also a social and economic engine designed to uplift communities and expand opportunities across the country.
