PM launches industrial, SME development policies
DODOMA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has officially launched the Sustainable Industrial Development Policy and the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development Policy, aimed at accelerating industrial growth, strengthening entrepreneurship and expanding economic opportunities in Tanzania.
The launch, held in Dodoma today, November 4, 2026, marks a step towards strengthening the country’s industrial base and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to contribute more effectively to economic development.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Mwigulu directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to develop clear implementation strategies for both policies, conduct regular monitoring and evaluation, and work closely with sectoral ministries and the private sector to ensure their objectives are achieved.
He emphasised that the success of the policies would depend on effective implementation, calling on the government to ensure that locally manufactured products receive priority in public procurement and government projects.
The Prime Minister urged Tanzanians to embrace and take pride in locally produced goods, noting that increased domestic consumption would expand markets for local industries, create employment opportunities and boost national revenue.
He cited locally manufactured products such as glass, steel bars, tiles and furniture, saying government institutions should lead by example by purchasing and using such products in construction and other public projects.
“The government must lead by example. Since it constructs buildings, products manufactured locally should be used in those projects,” he said.
Dr Mwigulu also called for a review of existing laws to address loopholes that may hinder the use of locally manufactured products or allow public institutions to avoid implementing government directives.
He further urged public officials to recognise the private sector as an important development partner, stressing the need to respect private investment and create a favourable environment for businesses to thrive.
On strengthening the contribution of SMEs to industrial development, he directed the ministry to coordinate value chains to enable small and medium enterprises to supply raw materials and services required by industries.
He said the government would continue improving the business and investment environment through investments in energy, water, roads and railway infrastructure to enhance the competitiveness of local industries in regional and international markets.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Industry and Trade Judith Kapinga said the ministry had prepared a 10-year implementation strategy with annual targets to guide the execution of the two policies.
She said progress would be regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure that the policies translated into tangible outcomes, particularly in expanding opportunities for SMEs and increasing markets for locally manufactured products.
Kapinga said Tanzania’s ambition of attaining a one-trillion-dollar economy could be realised through economic transformation driven by industrial growth.
She added that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision was to see the industrial sector expand and make a greater contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
During the ceremony, the Ministry of Industry and Trade presented an award to President Samia in recognition of her contribution to reforms and transformation in the industrial sector. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu was also recognised for officiating at the launch.
