Integrated Labour Force Survey 2024
Tanzania, 2024
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Reference ID
TZA-NBS-ILFS-2024-v01
Producer(s)
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN
Metadata
Created on
Aug 25, 2026
Last modified
Aug 25, 2026
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110
Identification
Survey ID Number
TZA-NBS-ILFS-2024-v01
Title
Integrated Labour Force Survey 2024
Translated Title
Utafiti wa Watu Wenye Uwezo wa Kufanya Kazi wa Mwaka 2024
Country
| Name | Country code |
|---|---|
| United Republic of Tanzania | TZA |
Study type
Labor Force Survey [hh/lfs]
Series Information
The 2024 round marked a significant advancement by applying a harmonized methodology across both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. This included the use of standardized data collection tools, aligned definitions, and coordinated sampling strategies, ensuring nationally coherent and comparable labour statistics. Previously, Labour Force Surveys (LFS) were conducted independently since 1965 in Tanzania Mainland and 1991 in Zanzibar and used differing methodologies. The integrated labour force surveys are a part of the national programme for production of labour market statistics. The results of the next ILFS is expected to be released in June 2026.
Abstract
The main objective of the 2024 Integrated Labour Force Survey (ILFS) was to obtain comprehensive data on status of the labour market in Tanzania . Specifically, the survey was meant to obtain estimates on various labour market indicators such as: - Employed Population; Unemployed Population; Population Outside the Labour including in this group Potential Labour Forc; Informal Sector and Informal Employment; and Working Children along with their relevant indicators to support analysis.
Kind of Data
Sample survey data [ssd]
Unit of Analysis
Individuals and Households
Version
Version Description
v1.0: Edited final data for public use .
Version Date
2024-12-30
Version Notes
The 2024 Integrated Labour Force Survey (ILFS), conducted from January to December 2024, aimed to gather comprehensive LMI and socio-economic data to guide policy formulation, monitor employment and unemployment patterns, and assess the labour market structure across the United Republic of Tanzania (URT).
The 2024 round marked a significant advancement by applying a harmonized methodology across both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. This included the use of standardized data collection tools, aligned definitions, and coordinated sampling strategies, ensuring nationally coherent and comparable labour statistics. Previously, Labour Force Surveys (LFS) were conducted independently since 1965 in Tanzania Mainland and 1991 in Zanzibar and used differing methodologies, which led to fragmented and inconsistent data, limiting the formulation of unified national employment strategies.
The 2024 round marked a significant advancement by applying a harmonized methodology across both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. This included the use of standardized data collection tools, aligned definitions, and coordinated sampling strategies, ensuring nationally coherent and comparable labour statistics. Previously, Labour Force Surveys (LFS) were conducted independently since 1965 in Tanzania Mainland and 1991 in Zanzibar and used differing methodologies, which led to fragmented and inconsistent data, limiting the formulation of unified national employment strategies.
Scope
Notes
The scope of the Integrated Labour Force Survey includes: INDIVIDUALS: HOUSEHOLD MEMBER ROSTER;DISABILITY;MIGRATION;EDUCATION;CURRENT ACTIVITY ;C.UNEMPLOYMENT;MAIN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY;INFORMAL SECTOR;HOURS WORKED;INCOME;USUAL ACTIVITY;CHILDREN AGED 5 TO 17 YEARS AND TIME USE. HOUSEHOLDS: HOUSEHOLD AMENITIES, SERVICES AND ASSETS;
Coverage
Geographic Coverage
The survey sample was designed to provide representative estimates on the labour market situtation at National level (URT, TZM & ZNZ), Urban, Rural and Dar es Salaam areas"
Universe
The survey covered all usual residents aged 0+ years resident in the households.
Producers and sponsors
Primary investigators
| Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS | GOVERNMENT OF TANZANIA |
| OFFICE OF THE CHIEF GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN | GOVERNMENT OF TANZANIA |
Producers
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE - LABOUR, YOUTH, EMPLOYMENT AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY | GOVERNMENT OF TANZANIA | DATA PRODUCER |
| PRESIDENT’S OFFICE, LABOUR, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT – ZANZIBAR | GOVERNMENT OF TANZANIA | DATA PRODUCER |
Funding Agency/Sponsor
| Name | Abbreviation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| GOVERNMENT OF TANZANIA | GOVERNMENT OF TANZANIA | FUNDING |
| WORLD BANK | WB | FUNDING |
Other Identifications/Acknowledgments
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| World Bank | WB | Fund management |
| International Labour Organisation | ILO | Technical support |
Sampling
Sampling Procedure
The sampling frame for the 2024 ILFS was derived from the inventory of Enumeration Areas (EAs) compiled during the 2022 Population and Housing Census (PHC). The sample was designed to provide representative estimates with a 95 percent confidence interval across three domains in Tanzania Mainland (TZM): rural areas, other urban areas, and Dar es Salaam; and 7 domains for Zanzibar, namely: rural, urban, Kaskazini Pemba, Kaskazini Unguja, Kusini Pemba, Kusini Unguja and, Mjini Magharibi.
The sampling design followed a stratified two-stage approach. In the first stage, EAs were selected within each stratum using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS). In the second stage, households were systematically selected from each of the previously chosen EAs. A total of 441 EAs were selected at the first stage in Tanzania Mainland and 152 in Zanzibar. At the second stage, 24 households were selected from each sampled EA, resulting in 10,584 households in Tanzania Mainland, 3,648 in Zanzibar, and a total of 14,232 households for the entire United Republic of Tanzania (URT).
The sampling design followed a stratified two-stage approach. In the first stage, EAs were selected within each stratum using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS). In the second stage, households were systematically selected from each of the previously chosen EAs. A total of 441 EAs were selected at the first stage in Tanzania Mainland and 152 in Zanzibar. At the second stage, 24 households were selected from each sampled EA, resulting in 10,584 households in Tanzania Mainland, 3,648 in Zanzibar, and a total of 14,232 households for the entire United Republic of Tanzania (URT).
Response Rate
The overall response rate for URT is 98.6 percent; with response rate of Tanzania Mainland being 98.8 percent and 98.2 percent for Zanzibar.
Weighting
Fundamentally, the basic weight for each sampled household was calculated as the inverse of its overall probability of selection. This probability was determined through a multi-stage sampling process, where the chance of selecting a household was the product of the probabilities at each stage starting from the selection of the Enumeration Areas (EAs), down to the selection of households within each EA. By taking the inverse of this cumulative probability, the resulting weight ensured that each household's data contribution was appropriately scaled relative to its representation in the population. To accurately manage and compute these probabilities, detailed records were maintained in a structured Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet contained essential information from the sampling frame for each selected EA, including the number of households, sampling intervals, and selection probabilities. By tracking these elements at each stage of selection, the overall selection probability and corresponding sampling weight for each household could be systematically derived. These weights were then applied during data analysis to produce nationally representative estimates of labour force characteristics and trends.
Data Collection
Dates of Data Collection
| Start | End |
|---|---|
| 2024-01-01 | 2024-12-30 |
Time periods
| Start date | End date |
|---|---|
| 2024-01-01 | 2024-12-31 |
Data Collection Mode
Face-to-face [f2f]
Supervision
Data collection for the 2024 Integrated Labour Force Survey (ILFS) was carried out on a quarterly basis, with each round conducted at three-month intervals. This approach was specifically designed to capture seasonal variations in economic activities, which are critical for producing a comprehensive picture of the labour market characteristics throughout the year.
To maintain data quality and ensure adherence to survey protocols, regular field supervision was conducted throughout the data collection period. Both national and regional supervisors made systematic visits to the field to oversee enumerator performance and address any challenges encountered during data collection. These quality assurance measures were instrumental in minimizing non-sampling errors, such as incorrect recording of responses, inconsistent questionnaire administration, or procedural deviations by enumerators.
To maintain data quality and ensure adherence to survey protocols, regular field supervision was conducted throughout the data collection period. Both national and regional supervisors made systematic visits to the field to oversee enumerator performance and address any challenges encountered during data collection. These quality assurance measures were instrumental in minimizing non-sampling errors, such as incorrect recording of responses, inconsistent questionnaire administration, or procedural deviations by enumerators.
Data Collection Notes
The training program for the 2024 Integrated Labour Force Survey (ILFS) was conducted in two key phases: the Training of Trainers (ToT) and the Training of Enumerators (ToE). This structured approach was designed to ensure the effective dissemination of knowledge and the consistent implementation of survey methodologies across all regions. The trainings were conducted concurrently in Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland. The first phase, the Training of Trainers (ToT), brought together Regional Statistical Managers (RSMs). The primary objective of this phase was to equip the RSMs with a comprehensive understanding of the ILFS instruments, data collection protocols, and supervisory procedures. As the RSMs were expected to oversee and support the enumerators during the actual data collection, it was crucial that they mastered both the content and the operational aspects of the survey. The ToT served not only as a capacity-building exercise but also as a foundation for maintaining high standards and consistency in the field.
The second phase, the Training of Enumerators (ToE), was held in January 2024 and was designed to prepare field staff for their roles in data collection. This phase of the training was intensive and focused on ensuring that all enumerators received uniform instruction and practical experience.
The second phase, the Training of Enumerators (ToE), was held in January 2024 and was designed to prepare field staff for their roles in data collection. This phase of the training was intensive and focused on ensuring that all enumerators received uniform instruction and practical experience.
Data Collectors
| Name | Abbreviation | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS | NBS | MINISTRY OF FINANCE |
| OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN | OCGS | PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - FINANCE AND PLANNING |
Questionnaires
Questionnaires
Survey instruments for the 2024 ILFS comprised of questionnaires; listing forms; instructions manuals to enumerators and supervisors; and quality assurance guidelines. All the survey instruments were developed by the surveys' Technical Committee in various working sessions prior to the main survey. The questionnaires were developed in English and Kiswahili languages after extensive consultations with stakeholders and data users. The consultations were in form of stakeholders meetings which provided an avenue for discussions between data producers, in this case NBS and OCGS and a wider community of data users. Comments from stakeholders regarding survey instruments were, if needed used to further refine the instruments. The Kiswahili version of the questionnaire was pre-tested in the field to test understanding and applicability of questions. Observations from the pre-test were incorporated in both Kiswahili and English versions of the questionnaires. The instructions manual to enumerators and supervisors were also developed in conjunction with survey questionnaires in both English and Kiswahili languages. The ILFS questionnaires consisted of four modules, namely: - Labour Force (LF); Informal Sector (IS) and Working Children (WC).
Data Processing
Data Editing
Data processing involved various activities which included: - receiving data electronically though severs immediately after being edited by the field supervisors; computer editing using logics built in the CAPI; and Data analysis and tabulation were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and STATA. After each quarter's dataset was processed and edited, detailed editing reports were generated and shared with regional supervisors. These reports served as important feedback tools, helping to improve the quality of supervision and data collection in subsequent rounds.
Access policy
Contacts
| Name | Affiliation | URL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour and Price Statistics Manager | National Bureau of Statistics | james.mbongo@nbs.go.tz;jamesmbongo7@gmail.com | Link |
Confidentiality
Confidentiality of respondents is guaranteed by The Statistics Act, [Cap 351 R.E 2019] Before being granted access to the dataset, all users have formally agreed: 1. All identifying information such as the name and address of respondent has been removed; 2. The information is disclosed in a manner that is not likely to enable the identification of the particular person or undertaking or business to which it relates. 3. Not attempt to identify any particular person or undertaking or business; 4. Use of information for research or statistically purpose only; 5. Not to disclose the information to any other person, organization 6. When required by the Director General, return all documents made available to him to the Director General; 7. Comply with the directions given by the Director General relating to the records. 8. Every person involved in the research or statistical project for which information is disclosed pursuant to this section shall make the declaration of secrecy set out in the first schedule.
Access conditions
Tanzania NBS considered three levels of accessibility:
Public use files, accessible by all
Licensed datasets, accessible under certain conditions
Datasets only accessible on location, for certain datasets
The dataset has been anonymized and available as a public use dataset. It accessible to all for statistical and research purposes only, under the following terms and conditions:
The data and other material will not be redistributed or sold to other individuals, institutions, or organization without the written agreement of the Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics.
The data will be used for statistical and scientific research purposes only. They will be used solely for reporting of aggregated information, and not for investigation of specific individuals or organizations.
No attempt will be made to produce links among dataset provided by the National Bureau of Statistics, or among data from the (National Bureau of Statistics) and other datasets that could identify individuals or organizations.
No attempt will be made to re-identify respondents, and no use will be made of the identify of any person or establishment discovered inadvertently. Any such discovery would immediately be reported to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Any books, articles, conference papers, theses, dissertations, reports, or other publications that employ data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics will cite the source of data in accordance with the Citation Requirement provided with each dataset.
Public use files, accessible by all
Licensed datasets, accessible under certain conditions
Datasets only accessible on location, for certain datasets
The dataset has been anonymized and available as a public use dataset. It accessible to all for statistical and research purposes only, under the following terms and conditions:
The data and other material will not be redistributed or sold to other individuals, institutions, or organization without the written agreement of the Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics.
The data will be used for statistical and scientific research purposes only. They will be used solely for reporting of aggregated information, and not for investigation of specific individuals or organizations.
No attempt will be made to produce links among dataset provided by the National Bureau of Statistics, or among data from the (National Bureau of Statistics) and other datasets that could identify individuals or organizations.
No attempt will be made to re-identify respondents, and no use will be made of the identify of any person or establishment discovered inadvertently. Any such discovery would immediately be reported to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Any books, articles, conference papers, theses, dissertations, reports, or other publications that employ data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics will cite the source of data in accordance with the Citation Requirement provided with each dataset.
Citation requirements
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) [Tanzania] 2022. Tanzania Integrated Labour Force Survey 2020/21, Dodoma, Tanzania: NBS
Access authority
| Name | Affiliation | URL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistician General National Bureau of Statistics | www.nbs.go.tz | sg@nbs.go.tz | www.nbs.go.tz |
| Office of the Chief Government Statistician | www.ocgs.go.tz | www.ocgs.go.tz | zanstat@ocgs.go.tz |
Disclaimer and copyrights
Disclaimer
The user of the data should acknowledge that, Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics is the original collector of the data, the authorized distributor of the data, and the relevant funding agency bear no responsibility for use of the data or for interpretations or inferences without a written agreement from the National Bureau of Statistics.
Copyright
(c) 2024, National Bureau of Statistics
Metadata production
DDI Document ID
DDI-TZA-NBS-ILFS-2024-V1.0
Producers
| Name | Abbreviation | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS | NBS | MINISTRY OF FINANCE | Metadata Producer |
| OFFICE OF THE CHIEF GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN ZANZIBAR | OCGS | PRESIDENT OFFICE - FINANCE AND PLANNING | Metadata Producer |
Date of Metadata Production
2025-09-01
DDI Document version
Version 0.1(June 2025)