TanTrade opens new regional markets

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) has unveiled new international market opportunities designed to position local producers and traders for expanded cross-border growth across the East African region.

In a special market intelligence release, TanTrade identifies immediate Tanzanian agricultural export opportunities to Uganda and Kenya.

According to the report released by Tantrade recently, the Kampala market in Uganda requires 100 metric tonnes of lentils for month.

This presents a strategic opportunity for Tanzanian farmers to scale up production while ensuring compliance with regional quality standards.

In addition, Kampala is seeking 150 metric tonnes of red kidney beans and another 150 metric tonnes of red speckled beans.

The sustained demand for pulses in Uganda reflects strengthening consumption patterns, positioning Tanzania to increase its export volumes and improve foreign exchange earnings.

The report stated that, the Nairobi market in Kenya has demonstrated substantial demand for multiple agricultural products. TanTrade’s data indicates a requirement of 100 metric tonnes of Biryan rice.

Furthermore, Nairobi requires 200 metric tonnes of Mwitemania beans, a variety favoured for its taste and nutritional value.

Even more significant is the demand for 3,000 metric tonnes of soybeans, underscoring the rapid expansion of Kenya’s food processing and animal feed industries.

This surge in soybean demand highlights strong prospects for Tanzanian agribusiness investors looking to tap into high-volume regional supply chains.

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In the case of white maize, opportunities vary: Kampala needs 100 tonnes, Nairobi 6,000 tonnes, reflecting Kenya’s high staple grain demand.

This creates a major opening for Tanzanian maize producers to increase output, improve aggregation systems and strengthen value chains to efficiently access the Kenyan market.

TanTrade Director General, Dr Latifa Khamis, stated that beyond announcing these opportunities, the authority also provides structured trade facilitation services by formally connecting sellers and buyers.

“Through official introduction letters and coordination of business matchmaking engagements, TanTrade simplifies market access processes and builds trust for Tanzanian traders in international negotiations,” she said.

Dr Khamis added that this initiative is designed to reduce the challenges of securing reliable buyers, enhance transparency in trade transactions and strengthen commercial partnerships between Tanzania and its neighbouring countries.

“If stakeholders act promptly and adhere to the required quality standards, Tanzania will continue to solidify its position as a regional hub for agricultural trade in East Africa,” she emphasised.