Tantrade drives industrial growth and global trade

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) is translating National Industrial Development Policy and the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development Policy into practical business opportunities by strengthening local production, adding value to domestic products and expanding access to regional and international markets.

The two policies aim to strengthen the capacity of local industries to produce quality and competitive products, maximise the value of locally available resources and create more opportunities for businesses to participate in domestic and international trade.

This was said yesterday by TanTrade Director General, Ephraim Mafuru, who noted that value addition is essential for industrial growth, job creation and SME development.

“Our priority is to connect production with markets, ensuring that industrial growth generates sustainable businesses, employment and increased export earnings,” he said.

Using cashew nuts as an example, he highlighted the importance of expanding domestic processing capacity to ensure more economic benefits, production opportunities and jobs remain within Tanzania.

“For SMEs, the policy creates opportunities to improve the business environment, strengthen production capacity, raise product quality and enhance competitiveness. Access to market intelligence, business information and potential buyers is equally important in helping small businesses expand their operations and grow into competitive enterprises capable of serving larger markets,” Mr Mafuru said.

He noted “Through market research, trade information services, business capacity-building programmes and linkages between producers and buyers, TanTrade will help businesses turn increased domestic production into tangible market opportunities”.

The Authority is also promoting the Made in Tanzania initiative through registration and use of the National Mark of products and services to strengthen product identity, consumer confidence and the visibility of local goods.

The policy direction also aligns with the 2026–2031 Programme for Country Partnership (PCP), launched by Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dennis Londo in Dodoma recently.

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The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and collaboration between Government, the private sector, supporting institutions and entrepreneurs.

Speaking during the launch of the policies recently, Minister for Industry and Trade, Judith Kapinga, said the initiatives were designed to enhance industrial capacity, increase value addition and open up wider market opportunities for locally manufactured products.

“The goal of these two policies is to strengthen the capacity of local industries to produce quality and competitive products, add value to resources and unlock more market opportunities,” she said.

She said industrial production is currently valued at approximately 6.2tri/- annually, while about 400,000 tonnes of manufactured products are exported.

These figures provide a foundation for further industrial expansion, increased exports and stronger participation of local manufacturers in regional and global value chains.