Jafo: Coast region grows into industrial hub
COAST REGION: THE Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, praised the Coast Region’s rapid industrial growth as clear evidence of the government’s commitment to economic transformation through industrialisation.
According to Dr Jafo, the number of registered industries in the Coast Region has grown from 1,387 in 2020 to 1,631 as of June this year, marking a net increase of 244 industries.
Of these, 178 are large and medium-scale industries established within five years, with 35 more under construction or nearing completion.
“The region has seen significant industrial expansion. Large industries increased from 59 in 2020 to 156 in 2025, adding 97, while medium industries grew from 109 to 190, an increase of 81,” Dr Jafo noted.
He added that 27 sites have been allocated for industrial development, including five Special Economic Zones (SEZs), seven industrial parks and 14 designated areas across various local governments.
These investments have created over 21,149 direct jobs and more than 60,000 indirect jobs for Tanzanians.
Dr Jafo affirmed the government’s focus on fostering an inclusive and sustainable industrial economy that empowers citizens, adds value to local raw materials and drives national growth.
“The future of Tanzania’s industrial economy is bright and the Coast Region is leading the way,” he said.
As the region leads the country in industrial growth, Dr Jafo announced that President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to lay the foundation stone tomorrow at the Kwala Industrial Park (KIP) in the Coast Region.
The ceremony will coincide with the launch of the dry port and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), strategic projects to enhance the transport of goods to local and international markets.
Covering 2,500 acres and valued at 3 billion US dollars, KIP is designed to host over 200 industries a transformative development set to accelerate Tanzania’s industrial sector.
KIP Chairman Mr Janson Huang said the park already hosts seven operational industries, with five more nearing completion. Infrastructure development t is complete and six additional investors have signed contracts.
The Kwala Industrial Zone has attracted 30 million US dollars in investments, highlighting the government’s commitment to industrial growth and regional development.
Mr Huang said the park aims to build 200 factories, making it the largest industrial hub in East and Central Africa.
This growing industrial activity is boosting the local economy, creating direct employment and supporting small businesses and related services in Kwala and the Coast Region.
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He credited the government’s role in creating an investor-friendly environment through modern infrastructure and favorable policies.
“Tanzanians are now ready for an industrial revolution,” Mr Huang said confidently.
He added that Kwala Industrial Park exemplifies successful public-private partnerships.
Beyond job creation, the project is fostering skills development among young Tanzanians, laying the foundation for long-term socio-economic growth.
Kwala is emerging as a symbol of Tanzania’s steady progress toward an industrialised economy
