TZ eyes over 3tri/- exports to UK

UK: THE Tanzania High Commission in the UK has set a target to raise the country’s exports to £1 billion (about 3.3tri/-) by 2030, with a particular focus on opening new opportunities for horticultural and agricultural products in the British market.

Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mr Mbelwa Kairuki, said attaining the goal will require coordinated efforts and strong stakeholder engagement in both countries.

He said that accurate, practical and policy-relevant information is vital for Tanzanian exporters seeking to penetrate and compete in the UK market.

“To facilitate this process, the High Commission has prepared a briefing document that provides critical insights into market expectations, regulatory and compliance requirements and strategies for building credibility with buyers,” he said.

The briefing also contains a structured checklist to guide exporters in aligning their operations with UK market standards. It further directs them to reliable online platforms and institutions in the UK that provide resources for deepening knowledge, ensuring compliance and strengthening business linkages.

Mr Kairuki pointed out that the UK imports a wide range of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, offering vast opportunities for Tanzanian producers able to guarantee quality and reliability.

He said exporters stand to gain by focusing on four key areas; consistency in supplying steady volumes, competitiveness in pricing, seasonality by filling supply gaps when other suppliers are off-season and attractive packaging that can endure long transit and appeal to buyers.

Among the crops with strong potential are okra, purple passion fruit, ginger, Hass avocados, bitter melon and oriental vegetables such as Chinese and Thai eggplants, especially during the UK winter months. There is also modest but steady demand for sweet potatoes and plantain.

However, the envoy cautioned that some commodities remain difficult to compete in. For instance, pineapples and jackfruit are dominated by Latin American producers who benefit from cheaper sea freight, while Europe meets much of its own demand for tomatoes and red cabbage through road freight.

Mr Kairuki also underscored growing opportunities in the UK’s fresh herbs market, which he described as one of the fastest-growing segments.

Demand is largely driven by restaurants, food service suppliers and healthconscious consumers seeking natural, flavourful ingredients.

“Tanzania is well-positioned to supply chives, basil and other speciality herbs, provided exporters can maintain freshness through reliable cold chain logistics and strong packaging,” he said.

The envoy noted that herbs are mainly transported by air freight, which suits Tanzania’s geographical proximity and ability to fill seasonal gaps in supply from other regions.

Although herbs represent smaller volumes compared to crops like avocados, Mr Kairuki said they deliver higher margins and foster strong relationships with premium buyers.

He added that for smallholder farmers and niche agribusinesses, herbs could serve as a gateway into the UK market.

According to him, building credibility with buyers, maintaining quality and ensuring compliance with UK standards will be essential if Tanzania is to meet its export target by 2030.