PPPs to drive agriculture investment, growth prospects
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is seeking to expand the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment into agriculture, strengthen value chains and improve management of key infrastructure, as policymakers and industry leaders push for new financing models to accelerate economic growth.
Speakers at a recent public lecture organised by the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC) said deeper collaboration between government, private investors and research institutions could unlock capital, technology and expertise needed to modernise agriculture, the country’s largest employer and a key supplier of raw materials to industry.
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Amandus Muhairwa said agriculture remains the backbone of Tanzania’s economy and should be prioritised in investment strategies aimed at boosting industrialisation and employment.
“Without agriculture there are no industries and no jobs. Agriculture is the foundation of our economy,” Prof Muhairwa said, adding that stronger partnerships could create a more attractive investment climate while supporting research, innovation and technology adoption across the sector.
He said SUA would continue working with the PPPC to promote researchdriven PPP projects capable of increasing productivity and expanding commercial opportunities throughout agricultural value chains. PPPC Executive Director, Mr David Kafulila said PPPs should extend beyond financing new projects to include operating and managing strategic public assets more efficiently.
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He cited the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as an example where private operators could improve commercial performance while reducing the financial burden on the government.
“We can enter into partnerships with companies to operate the railway. Why not have operators who can run it profitably so that it becomes a source of revenue rather than expenditure?” Kafulila said.
He noted that any such arrangement would require broad consultation among policymakers and technical experts to identify an appropriate operational model that protects public interests while improving efficiency.
Mr Kafulila also underscored the need for continued investment in transport and logistics infrastructure, including ports and road networks, to strengthen the country’s position as a regional trade and transit hub.
He said the Port of Dar es Salaam plays a strategic role in serving several neighbouring landlinked countries, making efficient transport corridors essential for sustaining regional trade competitiveness and attracting private investment.
