Tantrade sets five-year market plan
DAR ES SALAAM: LIMITED market access has remained a major constraint to business growth in the country, prompting the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) to step up efforts to connect local producers with potential buyers, broaden market opportunities and facilitate new business deals through trade exhibitions.
The focus comes as the Authority outlines its priorities for the next five years, with particular emphasis on value addition, product quality, branding and expanding business opportunities in domestic and international markets.
TanTrade Director General, Ephraim Mafuru outlined the priorities during his first meeting with staff after completing 90 days in office, where he stressed the need for the institution to deliver practical interventions that respond to the needs of the business community.
“The authority plans to modernise systems for coordinating and managing trade exhibitions within and outside the country, with the aim of making them more effective in linking producers to potential buyers and creating opportunities for businesses to access new markets,” Mr Mafuru said.
He said, for local businesses, the effectiveness of such platforms will be measured not simply by the number of exhibitions organised, but by their ability to generate commercial connections, secure buyers and open up sustainable markets for locally produced goods and services.
Mr Mafuru also identified value addition and product competitiveness as key areas requiring attention.
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“Traders need support to improve product quality, strengthen their brands and meet standards required in both domestic and international markets. As the responsible institution, TanTrade will work to ensure that businesses are adequately prepared and meet the necessary requirements to participate in trade exhibitions and take advantage of the market opportunities available,” he said.
He added that the priorities underscore the need for local enterprises to move beyond production and focus on developing market-ready products that meet consumer expectations and compete effectively on quality, consistency and value in both domestic and international markets.
Mr Mafuru also urged TanTrade employees to align their work with the authority’s strategic priorities, stressing the importance of accountability, professionalism and results-driven performance.
He noted that achieving the institution’s objectives would require a collective commitment from staff to improve trade facilitation and expand market opportunities for Tanzanian businesses.
The meeting also examined how the authority’s five-year priorities translate the objectives of the National Development Vision 2050 into practical interventions, particularly in promoting value addition, strengthening the competitiveness of Tanzanian products and increasing business participation in international markets.
The real test of the five-year agenda will be its impact on businesses, particularly whether improved trade facilitation, stronger buyer connections and better market access can translate into increased sales, business growth and wider participation of Tanzanian enterprises in regional and global trade.
