Tanga poised for investment surge, says TISEZA
TANGA: THE newly formed Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) has called on investors to seize the untapped potential in Tanga Region, emphasising the need for balanced growth between the agriculture and industrial sectors to ensure sustainable development.
Speaking at a working meeting for Trade, Industry and Investment Officers from Tanga Region’s 11 districts, TISEZA Mobilisation Officer Mr Cuthbert Kangila revealed that while the region has nearly 1.9 million hectares of arable land, an estimated 686,500 hectares remain uncultivated.
“Although agriculture remains the primary livelihood for most people in Tanga, the majority of investment capital has been directed toward manufacturing. While this is a positive trend, the existing financing gap in agriculture, particularly in agro-processing and value chain development must be urgently addressed,” Mr Kangila said.
He stressed that for Tanga to achieve accelerated and inclusive growth, investment strategies must prioritise both industrial expansion and agricultural development.
Mr Kangila outlined several competitive advantages that make Tanga ripe for investment, including Tanga Port, which is a strategic gateway to both regional and international markets and energy surplus with 41 megawatts of excess electricity capacity.
Others are road infrastructure, with over 8,400 kilometres of road network and human capital, comprising a youthful workforce of 2.6 million people.
“These advantages position Tanga as an ideal location for labour-intensive, exportoriented investments,” he said.
The meeting aimed to build the capacity of Local Government Authority (LGA) officers overseeing investment, industry and trade in the region.
It focused on enhancing understanding of investment laws, procedures and incentives, guiding officers on project registration and required documentation as well as identifying and packaging investment-ready sites for promotion to domestic and international investors.
Mr Kangila encouraged LGAs to work closely with TISEZA to facilitate investments more efficiently.
He urged them to designate focal points for investor facilitation, accelerate approvals for permits and licenses and collaborate with national agencies to attract foreign and local investors.
Tanga’s priority investment sectors include agriculture & agro-processing, focusing on cashew, sisal, cereals, oilseeds and dairy.
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Others are manufacturing and industry with industrial parks, leather tanning, packaging, timber processing, fish processing, aquaculture, seaweed farming, cold chain logistics, renewable energy, water supply systems, logistics hubs.
The list also has tourism and hospitality with beach resorts, eco-tourism (Usambara Mountains, coastal zones), business hotels, services and real estate that combines shopping malls, housing estates, private schools and ICT hubs.
Mr Kangila stressed the importance of value addition to boost local economies.
“Moving from raw commodity exports to processing and packaging will not only create jobs but also increase household incomes and strengthen Tanga’s position in the national economy,” he said.
Earlier this year, the government merged the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) into the unified TISEZA, aimed at streamlining investor services and accelerating economic growth.
With its rich natural resources, strategic location and improving infrastructure, Tanga is emerging as a promising investment destination, spanning agriculture, industry, blue economy, tourism and service sectors.
The government hopes to unlock this potential through strategic support and coordinated planning.
