DAR ES SALAAM, June 16 (Xinhua) -- On a drizzling Tuesday morning, hundreds of young Tanzanians streamed into the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania's commercial capital. They gathered for the fifth China-Tanzania Job Fair, a one-day event that brought together job seekers and employers from across a wide range of industries.
With more than 60 Chinese companies participating in sectors ranging from construction and manufacturing to information technology and finance, the fair offered a pathway to employment for job seekers eager to shape their futures.
Among them was 39-year-old Bwakea Bandeko, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in tourism and cultural heritage from the University of Dodoma in 2013. Like many others, Bandeko moved from booth to booth, CV in hand, hopeful yet realistic.
"I have visited more than 20 companies so far," he said. "China has very big companies investing in Tanzania. I believe there is a real chance I will get a job."
The event "has come at the right time, as it connects youth with real opportunities," he added.
Across the exhibition grounds, lines formed in front of company booths, where recruiters engaged candidates in brief interviews and collected resumes. Conversations flowed in English, Kiswahili and, increasingly, Mandarin, which is a sign of the evolving ties between the two nations.
For 23-year-old Zena Ayubu Saidi, a final-year student at the University of Dar es Salaam studying Chinese and English, the job fair represented more than just employment. It was a chance to apply her skills in a real-world setting.
"I am here looking for opportunities in translation, helping bridge communication between Tanzanian and Chinese people," she said.
The fair, held under the theme "Connecting Talent, Creating Opportunities, Building Our Future Together," was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, the Chinese Enterprises Association in Tanzania, and the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Opening the event, Tanzanian Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Labor, Employment and Relations Deus Clement Sangu said the fair is a symbol of partnership and shared prosperity.
"This event represents opportunity, partnership and the shared commitment of our two nations to invest in people," he said.
He noted that Chinese enterprises operating in Tanzania have contributed significantly to economic growth and job creation while also facilitating the transfer of skills and technology.
"The true value of this partnership lies not only in employment numbers but in strengthening our human capital," he added.
Jiang Yuntao, chairman of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Tanzania, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the role of talent in sustaining cooperation. "The development of Chinese enterprises in Tanzania depends on local talent, and the growth of Tanzanian youth requires opportunities like this," he said.
Since its inception in 2016, the job fair has attracted more than 6,000 job seekers and helped nearly 1,000 secure employment with Chinese enterprises, Jiang said, adding that this year's edition offers hundreds of positions across diverse industries.
For participating companies, the event provides a platform to connect with a pool of young, skilled and increasingly multilingual candidates.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said the job fair "reflects our shared commitment to cooperation and mutual development."
She said that Chinese enterprises in Tanzania serve not only as drivers of economic growth but also as bridges connecting people and cultures.
"They provide employment opportunities and contribute to local development," Chen said. "At the same time, they create a platform for young Tanzanians to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams."
"Today, we are building another bridge -- a bridge of talent," said Xu Qian, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam. "This job fair connects enterprises with young people and strengthens the bonds between our nations."
Over the past decade, the Confucius Institute has trained nearly 200 graduates, many of whom now work in diplomacy, education, business and translation. Yet demand for such skills continues to grow, particularly as Chinese investment expands in Tanzania.
Baraka Maiseli, representing the university's vice chancellor, praised the event for its role in linking education with employment.
"This is the fifth time we are hosting this event," he said. "We are grateful for this partnership, which provides our graduates with valuable opportunities."
