Tantrade study highlights local product opportunities in Katoro

GEITA: THE Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE) has conducted a market research and product diversification study in Katoro town, Geita Region, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of locally produced goods in domestic and international markets.

The study, conducted earlier this month, focused on Katoro’s commercial centre, a key trading hub serving business people from various parts of the country, neighbouring villages and bordering countries.

Tantrade Director General, Ms Latifa Khamis said that the authority’s core mandate is to undertake market research and facilitate access to local and foreign markets for Tanzanian traders, with the objective of boosting trade and supporting national economic growth.

“Our focus is not only to increase the number of local products in the market, but also to ensure they meet international standards so that they can compete both locally and globally,” she said.

Ms Khamis said the findings revealed that about 90 per cent of products traded in Katoro originate from neighbouring villages and foreign countries, including Uganda, China, India, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Burundi.

According to Ms Khamis, the strong presence of imported goods highlights significant opportunities for local manufacturers to scale up production and improve product quality to enhance competitiveness.

She noted that the research will inform policy decisions intended to strengthen the position of locally produced goods in the market.

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“We are expecting to submit the findings to the government through relevant ministries to support the formulation of policies that promote the availability of Tanzanian products that meet international quality standards,’ said Ms Khamis.

She noted that Tantrade continues to promote the use of the national logo ‘Made in Tanzania’ to enhance the visibility and identity of locally manufactured products, a move aimed at building consumer confidence at home and abroad.

She said the study marks an important milestone in strengthening trade, local production and the implementation of the country’s industrialisation agenda, particularly in major commercial centres and border areas. Ms Khamis urges government to monitor Katoro market, calling it the main business hub of the zone