GS1 Tanzania at 15: Powering Trade, Industry and Digital Competitiveness
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’s efforts to strengthen domestic trade, industrial growth and global competitiveness received a major boost as GS1 Tanzania marked 15 years of supporting product identification and market access across the country.
The anniversary, held recently in Dar es Salaam brought together private sector players, public institutions and business technology experts, highlighting the institution’s growing national role in building an efficient, competitive and digitally enabled economy.
Speaking at the event, GS1 Tanzania Chief Executive Officer, Ms Fatma Kange, said the organisation’s 15-year journey mirrors Tanzania’s broader industrial and trade transformation as it shifts from basic systems to modern, technology-driven solutions.
“GS1 Tanzania continues to evolve in response to market demands and fast-changing technologies, as we prepare for the main anniversary celebrations scheduled for September this year,” she said.
Ms Kange said the institution is constantly reassessing its direction to ensure it remains relevant to national development priorities.
“As an organisation, we ask ourselves where we came from, where we are and where we are heading. Technology is changing very fast, and GS1 Tanzania has a responsibility to ensure its members are not left behind,” she said.
She added that the ongoing digital transformation is aimed at strengthening the capacity of Tanzanian manufacturers and traders to identify, trace and position their products more effectively, both locally and internationally.
Representing the guest of honour, the Director of Industrial Research at the Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organisation (TRIDO), Mr Humfrey Ndosi, said GS1 has become a strategic national tool in enhancing the competitiveness of locally produced goods.
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“Before the establishment of GS1, many producers faced serious challenges in accessing markets, forcing some to depend on external channels to brand and position their products,” he said.
Mr Ndosi conveyed greetings from the ministry and congratulated GS1 Tanzania for its contribution to private sector growth, noting that the government will continue working with institutions such as GS1 to build a more enabling business environment and strengthen the country’s economic infrastructure.
He said GS1 Tanzania’s success has been driven by strong public–private partnerships involving institutions such as TRIDO, TBS, BRELA, SIDO, TPSF, ZNCC, TCCIA, CTI and TAHA, alongside associations of crop and spice producers.
During the celebrations, GS1 Tanzania also announced the continuation of its digital transformation agenda, including the rollout of the 2D migration system, aimed at improving product identification, traceability and efficiency across national business value chains.
The opening of the anniversary celebrations called on Tanzanians to remain confident, hardworking and proactive in seizing the opportunities created by the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the business and investment climate.
