Tanzania Moves Forward with the Ratification of Key ILO Conventions

The International Labour Organization (ILO), through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), organized a tripartite technical meeting from February 12–14, 2025, in Dodoma, Tanzania. The meeting focused on establishing a technical team to drive the ratification process for ILO Conventions 97, 143, and 190. The meeting built on the outcomes of the legal gap analysis conducted in July 2024 and developed a roadmap for necessary legislative and policy reforms. Participants included government officials, employers, and workers’ representatives, all working toward aligning Tanzania’s legal framework with international labour standards.

A key outcome was the establishment of a tripartite technical team tasked with coordinating efforts to address legal gaps and ensuring the integration of recommendations into national policy discussions. The team will oversee the implementation of the roadmap, which outlines concrete steps for advancing the ratification process, including legislative reviews, stakeholder consultations, and advocacy efforts. The roadmap was validated and endorsed by tripartite partners, marking a critical step in streamlining Tanzania’s approach to labour migration governance and worker protection.

During the discussions, participants reviewed the zero draft of the legal gap analysis, identifying areas requiring legislative alignment with the conventions. Specific recommendations were made to amend national laws, including provisions related to migrant worker rights, employment protections, and anti-harassment regulations. The meeting also reinforced the importance of political commitment and stakeholder engagement, emphasizing that government agencies, employers, and trade unions must work collaboratively to push forward the ratification agenda.

The meeting concluded with commitments from all partners to maintain momentum in advocating for the adoption of these key conventions. The government reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening labour protections, while employers and trade unions pledged to support efforts in legal reforms and capacity-building. The next steps include the Ministry of Labour to convene a high-level meeting to endorse the technical team, formalize its mandate, present the gap analysis conducted, and organize follow-up engagements to track progress.

With a clear roadmap, a dedicated technical team, and strong tripartite collaboration, Tanzania is positioned to take concrete steps toward ratifying ILO Conventions 97, 143, and 190, reinforcing its commitment to fair labour practices and the protection of all workers.