TZ eyes horticulture boom

ARUSHA: TANZANIA is targeting 14 new international markets as part of an ambitious drive to expand horticultural exports, increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen its position in global agricultural trade.

The initiative, scheduled for implementation during the 2026/27 financial year, will be accompanied by efforts to improve production, quality standards, storage facilities and market access to ensure locally produced fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices meet international requirements.

Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the plan yesterday when officially opening HortiLogistica Africa 2026 in Arusha on behalf of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.

“The government is determined to strengthen Tanzania’s horticultural value chain by ensuring that farmers understand market requirements and produce crops that meet the quality and safety standards demanded by international consumers,” he said.

He directed the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), alongside the ministries responsible for Agriculture, Industry and Trade, and Investment, to study major international markets, particularly the European Union (EU) and the United States, and identify requirements for accessing them.

He said the country needed to link agricultural production with actual market demand rather than increase output without considering buyers’ expectations.

The Vice-President said the horticultural sector was growing at an average annual rate of between nine and 12 per cent, with national production rising by 15.9 per cent from 8.44 million tonnes in 2022/23 to 9.78 million tonnes in 2024/25.

He added that the value of horticultural exports had increased from 290.7 million US dollars in 2020 to 569 million US dollars in 2024, reflecting the sector’s growing contribution to the economy. Africa’s horticultural exports had also expanded from 15.4 billion US dollars in 2015 to 28.6 billion US dollars in 2025.

However, the continent accounted for only six per cent of global fruit trade and 17 per cent of vegetable trade, highlighting significant room for growth.

Mr Ndejembi said Tanzania had considerable potential to increase its international market share through commercial production, modern technology, quality assurance, improved packaging and efficient distribution systems.

Citing progress in avocado production, he said output had increased by 36.2 per cent, from 149,340 tonnes in 2020/21 to 203,473 tonnes in 2025/26.

Avocado exports had reached 52,593.72 tonnes, valued at 255.4bn/-, prompting calls for further investment in quality seedlings, processing facilities, collection centres and cold-chain infrastructure.

The Vice-President also directed the Ministry of Agriculture to work with private-sector stakeholders to revive former flower farms in Arusha and restore rose production for international markets.

“We need to attract investors in flowers, vegetables and spices. The Ministry of Agriculture should work with privatesector stakeholders to revive former flower farms in Arusha and restore rose production for international markets,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda, who chairs the Presidential Food and Agriculture Delivery Council, called for increased investment in irrigation, cold-chain facilities, efficient transport systems and value addition to improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen the sector.

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He described horticulture as a strategic driver of economic growth, employment creation, export earnings and food and nutrition security, particularly for women and young people.

Minister for Agriculture Daniel Chongolo said 2,960 young people had secured employment and participated in agricultural production through the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme, implemented in 18 local government authorities.

He said the initiative sought to empower young people and women to engage in productive agriculture and create employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) Chairperson Olaf Bogers called for greater investment, stronger international partnerships and improved business conditions to unlock Africa’s horticultural potential and position the continent as a major global supplier.

Ireland Embassy representative Suzanne Keatinge also emphasised the importance of investing in cold-chain infrastructure, modern storage technologies, logistics and value addition to reduce postharvest losses and improve Tanzania’s competitiveness.

HortiLogistica Africa 2026 that opened on Friday to today brings together farmers, producers, buyers, investors, logistics providers and technology companies to promote business partnerships, investment and market opportunities in the horticultural industry.