Tanzania-Japan trade hits 99.6tri/-
JAPAN: TANZANIA and Japan are witnessing a significant surge in economic cooperation, with bilateral trade rising from 7 billion US dollars (about 20tri/-) in 2023 to an impressive 37 billion US dollars (about 99.6tri/-) in 2024.
Prime Minister Mr Kassim Majaliwa announced the figures yesterday during Tanzania Day celebrations at the World Expo Osaka 2025, highlighting the growing strength of economic, political and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Speaking on behalf of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mr Majaliwa emphasised Japan’s increasing appetite for Tanzanian exports, especially agricultural products such as tea, coffee, sesame seeds, tobacco, cashew nuts, cloves and various spices, as well as valuable minerals.
“The Japanese market greatly appreciates the quality and diversity of Tanzania’s produce,” said Mr Majaliwa.
He invited Japanese and international investors to explore Tanzania’s expanding sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and tourism, assuring them of a peaceful and stable investment environment.
“Tanzania is uniquely positioned as a commercial hub in East, Southern and Central Africa,” he noted.
“Bordering seven countries, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, our nation provides investors with assured access to a large and dynamic regional market.”
The Prime Minister also announced ongoing upgrades to the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds (commonly known as Sabasaba Grounds) to transform them into an international-standard venue for regional and global trade fairs and conferences.
The exhibition was also attended by several high-ranking leaders from both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, including ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of various institutions.
The World Expo Osaka 2025, which opened on April 13th and runs through October 13, marks the second time Osaka has hosted the prestigious global event—the first being in 1970.
As part of the expo, Mr Majaliwa is today scheduled to participate in a business, investment and tourism forum involving Tanzanian and Japanese entrepreneurs.
He will also hold bilateral talks with Japanese government officials, development agencies and corporate leaders to deepen cooperation between the two nations.
Recently, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, praised the enduring diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Japan, which have now spanned 64 years.
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Speaking during a reception marking the 65th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito at the residence of Japan’s Ambassador-Designate to Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, Amb Kombo highlighted Japan’s long-standing support, particularly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has been assisting Tanzania since 1962.
He acknowledged Japan’s vital contributions to Tanzania’s development in sectors such as energy, agriculture, water, infrastructure and capacity building, expressing gratitude for JICA’s involvement in various flagship projects.
Notable initiatives include the Mfugale Flyover, Gerezani Bridge, Selander Bridge and the Malindi Fish Market in Zanzibar, which have had a significant impact on transportation and economic development.
“JICA has done incredible work in our country, supporting Tanzanians at the grassroots level. We are forever grateful for their contribution,” Ambassador Kombo said.
