Investors expand wholesale business in Tanzania as EACLC boosts trade

DAR ES SALAAM: A favorable business environment and a growing domestic market are continuing to attract investors to Tanzania, with several traders opening wholesale shops aimed at making goods more accessible locally and reducing the need for Tanzanians to travel to China.

The expansion is taking place at the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) in Dar es Salaam, where new wholesale outlets are being launched as part of ongoing investment in the country’s retail and logistics sector.

Speaking during the opening of one of the new wholesale shops, Chinese investor Huang Tao said Tanzania remains an attractive destination for business due to its stable and reliable market.

He said the EACLC platform is helping simplify the supply chain by enabling Tanzanian traders to access products directly within the country instead of sourcing them from factories in China.

“Through this centre, we are making it easier for traders to access goods locally, reducing the need for long-distance sourcing,” he said.

Local business stakeholders say the growing presence of Chinese wholesalers is also benefiting Tanzanians through job creation and improved access to affordable goods.

The Manager of Boma Mali Poa Company, Haji Lulanje, said partnerships with Chinese traders have created employment opportunities for Tanzanians while easing access to essential merchandise for small entrepreneurs.

Consumers also noted a drop in prices, saying goods at the EACLC are more affordable compared to other markets.

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“We now get products at cheaper prices compared to when they were available outside this centre,” said one customer, Anna Mzava, a sentiment echoed by Gift Mlacha.

The EACLC continues to expand its wholesale operations, reinforcing its role as a key hub for trade between Tanzania and Chinese investors in the region.