Common Market test for Tanzanian graduates

Under the Common Market, free movement of people, goods and capital will create all sorts of job opportunities in partner states for East African citizens according to their skills.

For our graduates in Tanzania, besides the drawback of poor English, marketing themselves is a big problem.

They may have certificates and degrees from accredited universities but lack a competitive edge and the ability to deliver their knowledge compared with graduates from partner states.

But since a free labor market in East Africa is inevitable, Tanzanian graduates must overcome the fear of competition and learn to brand themselves creatively.

They cannot expect favours, nor can they blame the government for a decision of which all partner states are going to be beneficiaries.

No organisation will be prepared to employ somebody who cannot deliver.

I call upon graduates of Tanzania to take up the challenge of marketing themselves in the EAC.

Patrick J. Almasi
Via e-mail