GF Trucks: Our victory at DITF symbolizes local manufacturing growth

DAR ES SALAAM: GF Trucks & Equipment Ltd, a Tanzanian-owned automotive and equipment company, has been crowned the overall winner of the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), a recognition the firm says reflects more than just business success — it signals the rising strength of local manufacturing in Tanzania.

Marking the milestone with a colourful celebration at the trade fair grounds, GF Trucks brought together staff from its Dar es Salaam headquarters and Kibaha-based vehicle assembly plant, along with loyal clients and partners, to honour a journey defined by ambition, innovation, and national pride.

“We don’t see this as a company win alone — this is a win for Tanzania’s manufacturing sector,” said GF Trucks Board Chairperson Mr Mehboob Karmali. “It confirms that Tanzanian businesses, when supported by good policies and strong teamwork, can compete at world-class levels.”

The award, which recognises outstanding innovation, product quality, and contribution to economic development, reinforces GF Trucks’ role in pushing forward the government’s industrialisation agenda. The company offers a wide range of vehicles serving sectors such as construction, agriculture, and mining — including globally recognised brands like FAW, XCMG, Mahindra, and Hyundai.

What distinguishes GF Trucks from others is its local value addition. Vehicles sold by the company are not just imported — they are assembled at its GF Vehicle Assemblers (GFA) plant in Kibaha, Coast Region. The facility represents a growing footprint of local production and job creation, positioning Tanzania as a player in Africa’s emerging manufacturing landscape.

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“This victory validates our core mission: assemble and deliver top-quality vehicles locally, support industrial growth, and generate employment opportunities for Tanzanians,” Mr Karmali said.

Factory Manager Mr Ezra Mereng described the recognition as a moment of pride for Tanzanian manufacturing and a symbol of what is possible when government, industry, and local talent align.

“With continued support from the government through investor-friendly policies, we are not just assembling vehicles — we are building a sustainable Tanzanian brand that can compete across borders,” Mr Mereng remarked.

GF Trucks’ recognition at DITF 2025 comes at a time when Tanzania is intensifying efforts to grow its industrial base through local content development, strategic investments, and public-private collaboration. The company has become a benchmark for how local firms can shift from trading to value-adding and manufacturing — creating more resilient supply chains and boosting national self-reliance.

From humble beginnings to commanding a significant presence in the automotive and heavy equipment market, GF Trucks now stands as a beacon of Tanzanian industrial potential. As the country charts its path towards a semi-industrialised economy, the company’s leadership says it will continue to invest in local assembly, technology, and talent development.