New strategy to boost horticulture exports to 5.4tri/-

TANZANIA: DUCHESS of Edinburgh, Her Royal Highness Sophie, attended the official launch of the ambitious Tanzania horticultural exports scheme.

The programme, called the Horticulture Exports Accelerator Program (HEAP), carries the slogan “Race to a 2 billion US dollars” and is a collaboration between the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) and the Tanzanian High Commission in the UK.

Unveiled over the weekend, HEAP aims to significantly enhance horticulture exports from Tanzania to the United Kingdom and broader European markets, with the goal of reaching 2 billion US dollars (about 5.45tri/- ) export value by 2030.

“HEAP will provide local export companies with the tools they need to become competitive and benefit from free trade deals,” said TAHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Jacqueline Mkindi.

The program is designed to empower Tanzanian producers by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and resources to meet the stringent requirements of international markets.

TAHA believes that by focusing on the entire horticulture value chain, the program will enable Tanzanian companies to increase their export volumes and foster lasting partnerships with counterparts in the UK and Europe.

Key areas of focus include capacity building, establishing robust trade linkages and strict adherence to international standards. This comprehensive approach ensures that local producers can thrive in domestic markets while effectively competing on the global stage.

UK Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Marianne Young, commended TAHA and the Tanzanian High Commission in the UK for their collaboration in designing and implementing the program.

“This is a truly exciting moment to be working in partnership with Tanzania. I congratulate you all on the progress made and the commitment to the journey ahead,” she said.

Ambassador Young noted that the UK is helping Tanzania unlock the potential of its agricultural industry by increasing capital for agri-business, expanding infrastructure and improving trade processes.

“This includes our £35 million Productivity for Prosperity Programme (P4P), which aims to catalyse £100 million of investment in climate-smart agri-business and climate finance, while supporting jobs and raising incomes,” she explained.

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“We need to discuss how we can support the horticulture industry to take advantage of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, one of the most generous in the world,” the ambassador added. She acknowledged that zero tariffs do not automatically lead to significant increases in exports.

The HEAP is designed to help Tanzanian companies overcome challenges in accessing the UK market by enhancing their export capabilities, supporting compliance with international standards and facilitating market access.

As part of HEAP’s implementation, 15 local companies will travel to the UK this week to attend a Fresh Produce Consortium event organised by UK importers of fresh produce. This will provide an opportunity for the visiting companies to showcase their products and engage with potential buyers.

“This programme will help put Tanzanian products on UK supermarket shelves, boosting jobs and incomes here in Tanzania,” Ms Young explained.

Tanzania is well-positioned to become a breadbasket for the region and the UK is committed to supporting the processing and export of agricultural goods both regionally and globally.

Tanzania’s envoy to the UK, Mr Mbelwa Kairuki, remarked on the significance of this collaboration, stating, “The HEAP represents a pivotal opportunity to drive economic growth and foster international cooperation. By supporting Tanzanian producers in meeting global standards, we pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for horticulture trade between our countries.”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Gerald Mweli, said the HEAP initiative is poised to be a game-changer for Tanzanian horticulture and a testament to the positive impact of international cooperation. “As the program unfolds, it is expected to serve as a model for similar ventures aimed at bridging gaps and fostering meaningful partnerships across global markets,” he noted.

He expressed optimism that the economic ripple effects of the initiative will lead to increased employment opportunities and greater economic stability within Tanzania. Mr Mweli affirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment for investment and ensuring the successful implementation of HEAP.

“We are proud to work together on this journey in partnership with TAHA and the UK and we look forward to the many successes that will result from this initiative,” he stated.

For his part, Managing Director of the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), Mr Frank Nyabundege, commended the TAHA initiative, highlighting its potential multiplier effects that will benefit a critical mass of youth and women.