In a significant policy move, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced a 35.1 percent increase in the minimum wage for public servants, raising the monthly salary from Sh370,000 to Sh500,000.
The wage adjustment, which will take effect in July 2025, was unveiled during the national Labour Day celebrations in Singida, amid cheers from the workforce.
Speaking to the crowd, President Samia framed the increase as a direct result of Tanzania’s positive economic performance.
“In recognition of your hard work and commitment to national development even when we asked you to tighten your belts I am pleased to announce that the government will increase the minimum wage for public servants by 35.1 percent,” she said.
The announcement comes as the country’s economy grows at a rate of 5.5 percent, with the President emphasizing that this economic growth should benefit all Tanzanians.
“This is a moment to share the fruits of our collective efforts. Despite challenging times, we continued to promote staff and improve other benefits. Now, with the economy growing by 5.5 percent, it is only fair that we share the gains,” President Samia added, drawing applause from the audience.
Beyond the minimum wage increase, the President assured that other salary scales would also be adjusted as part of a broader wage reform plan.
“I assure you that salary increments are not limited to the minimum wage. Other workers will benefit as well,” she said, signaling that the government is committed to improving the financial conditions of all public servants.
The President also addressed the private sector, acknowledging ongoing wage disparities between it and the public sector.
She revealed that the government, through the Minimum Wage Board, is currently reviewing pay structures in the private sector to ensure better pay and working conditions.
“We are reviewing pay structures in the private sector to improve conditions for workers there,” she explained. “In the meantime, I urge the Ministry of Labour and trade unions to jointly implement collective bargaining agreements to secure better terms for employees in the private sector.”
This announcement comes after a year in which the government had cited economic constraints as the reason for postponing salary increases.
However, with the economy now on a positive trajectory, the President’s remarks highlight a shift toward sharing the country’s economic gains with its workers.
“Last year, we cited economic constraints, but today, we are sharing the fruits of the economy with the workers who have contributed to this growth,” President Samia emphasized.
Public sector workers, who have faced several years of wage stagnation, expressed their appreciation for the increase. “This is a great relief for all of us.
We’ve been waiting for this moment, and now we see that our hard work is being recognized,” said one civil servant, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The government has heard us, and this wage increase feels like the right step at the right time.”
The President concluded her speech by urging Tanzanians to remain united and peaceful as the country approaches the general elections scheduled for October 2025.
“Let us safeguard our unity and peace, and fully participate in the upcoming elections. Our democracy depends on it,” she urged, reinforcing the importance of national cohesion as Tanzania moves toward a critical electoral period.