Dar es Salaam. On Friday, November 29, 2024, Dar es Salaam hosted the highly anticipated Employer of the Year Award (EYA) ceremony, an evening that celebrated excellence in human resource management and workplace practices across Tanzania.
At the heart of the event, organized by Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), was Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL), which walked away as the overall winner of the prestigious award, a fitting recognition for its exceptional contributions to workplace standards and employee well-being.
But TBL was not alone in the spotlight. Barrick North Mara Gold Mine Limited and Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) closely followed as the first and second runners-up, respectively.
Since TBL and Barrick North Mara Gold Mine Limited represent the private sector, TPA was the overall winner in the Public sector entities category.
Meanwhile, Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) was recognized as the first runner-up after TPA in the Public sector entities category, marking an outstanding achievement in their category for creating a thriving, supportive work environment in public service.
Additionally, TCAA received first place for local content use in development projects and the overall club of best performers award, further cementing its leadership in promoting sustainable and inclusive practices.
While these remarkable entities received well-deserved recognition for their hard work, the evening carried a deeper message for them: a powerful wake-up call for the challenges that lie ahead.
Dr Doto Biteko, the Deputy Prime Minister said the night was not only a celebration but also a call to action.
With the introduction of new award categories, Occupational Health and Safety and HIV & AIDS Response, there was a clear emphasis on the need for employers to prioritize both employee health and public health issues.
This focus highlights a growing realization that a healthy workforce is essential to building a productive economy.
The new categories were a direct response to the government’s call for more attention to workplace safety and the support of employees living with HIV, especially with Tanzania’s aim to eliminate AIDS by 2030.
The message from, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, who officiated at the ceremony, was direct: Employers in Tanzania must rise to the occasion and keep up with the increasing expectations for inclusive work environments and workplace safety standards.
Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities), urged the winners to not only celebrate these wins but to see them as a continuous commitment to improving the workplace environment.
He reiterated that recognizing excellent practices should serve as inspiration for others, pushing for broader transformation across industries.
For TCAA, the recognition of their work in the public sector was a moment of pride.
However, Mr Daniel Malanga, the Acting Director General of TCAA, made it clear that the awards were not the end of the road but rather a reminder of the work still to be done.
“These awards are a wake-up call for all of us to keep improving, enhancing our workforce, and strengthening our recruitment and retention strategies,” Mr Malanga, who also doubles as the TCAA’s Economic Regulation Director, said after receiving the accolades.
“While we celebrate our success, we must understand that the competition is only going to get tougher, and we need to be ready. We need to keep pushing forward, maintain excellence, and adapt to the changing dynamics of the workplace.”
The night was an uplifting reminder that for employers across all sectors, whether in the public or private space, the task is clear: continue to innovate, challenge the status quo, and create workplaces that support employees’ well-being in every aspect.
These efforts will not only build better companies but a better Tanzania.
