Tanzania must act, French investors ready to invest

TANZANIA: THE French-Tanzanian Chamber of Commerce (FTCC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Business France, Nairobi, positioning the Chamber as a facilitator and trusted advisor for French companies exploring investment opportunities in Tanzania.

Business France, the French government agency tasked with supporting French companies abroad, will collaborate with FTCC to provide expertise, insights, and practical guidance to French investors entering the Tanzanian market.

In her address at the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam, French Ambassador to Tanzania, Anne-Sophie Avé, highlighted France’s readiness to respond to Tanzania’s efforts to attract foreign investment.

“We are ready, what about you?” she challenged, emphasizing that French companies bring more than business and that is they deliver strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that benefit Tanzanian communities, from health and education initiatives to local infrastructure development.

The Ambassador underscored the urgency for the Tanzanian government and key stakeholders to clarify, simplify, and strengthen the business environment.

Quoting a proverb, she said, “One doesn’t attract flies with vinegar,” a pointed reminder that creating a welcoming, predictable, and investor-friendly climate is critical to attracting global capital. She added that the upcoming Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, May 2026, presents a prime opportunity for Tanzania to make bold announcements demonstrating its commitment to becoming a top investment destination.

The MoU coincides with the fifth anniversary of FTCC, which now boasts 98 members and continues to grow steadily. The Ambassador noted that the agreement represents a milestone for the Chamber, enabling it to actively support French businesses navigating Tanzania’s market landscape.

Recalling her participation in the Sherry Party in Dodoma last month, hosted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to promote economic diplomacy to the diplomatic corps, Ambassador Avé emphasized the strong partnership between France and Tanzania.

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She cited several concrete examples: The French Development Agency (AFD), a public investment bank and leading financial partner in Tanzania’s energy sector; The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a model of tripartite cooperation among France, Tanzania, and Uganda; The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and AGL, key players in finance and maritime transport; Airbus helicopters and ATR planes flying securely in Tanzanian skies, illustrating French technology and CSR engagement.

Further highlighting France’s commitment to local communities, Ambassador Avé recalled a recent initiative by the French Embassy, which donated wheelchairs to over 20 children and young adults in collaboration with the Chem Chem Foundation, alongside support for schools, health centers, training, and career development programs.

She elaborated on the practical benefits of the partnership, noting that Business France’s Nairobi office will manage Team France Export, streamlining support for French investors and ensuring efficiency and responsiveness.

“President Samia wants to attract investments, and President Emmanuel Macron wants French companies to invest in Africa,” she remarked.

“The African continent is dynamic, youthful, creative, and entrepreneurial. It is the continent of the future—and the future is now.” Ambassador Avé pointed to the Africa Forward Summit in May 2026 as a key platform to showcase France’s commitment to trade and investment in Africa, particularly in Anglophone countries and East Africa.

She stressed that this initiative seeks to build win-win partnerships from a fresh perspective, free from historical burdens, and driven by mutual opportunity and shared growth.

With the MoU in place, FTCC is now formally authorized to guide French companies interested in Tanzania, helping them navigate legal, fiscal, and operational requirements.

However, Ambassador Avé was candid about the challenges that remain. She repeated her adage: “You don’t attract flies with vinegar,” highlighting the importance of a positive reputation in attracting investors. She explained that in business, a single bad experience spreads faster than a good one: “A satisfied customer tells seven, an unhappy one tells 21. It takes three success stories and three times the effort to overturn a negative narrative.”

To solidify Tanzania’s image as a business-friendly destination, several areas require attention: Clear and stable fiscal rules applied fairly and consistently; Efficient and transparent work and residence permit processes; Respect for contracts and timely payment of dues; Responsiveness from ministries and administration to calls and correspondence. “Business does not like uncertainties,” Ambassador Avé noted.

“Investors must be able to take calculated risks, trust partners, and operate in a predictable environment. Tanzania has the potential, but it must show it is ready to open doors and embrace opportunity.”

She urged Tanzanian authorities to leverage the Africa Forward Summit to present a unified vision and demonstrate tangible steps toward reforming the business climate.

In a global competition where investors can choose the most welcoming environments, Tanzania has an opportunity to announce reforms and initiatives that tackle existing challenges, creating a clear pathway for investment. Beyond policy improvements, Ambassador Avé highlighted the soft power of goodwill.

French companies and institutions consistently support community development initiatives, contributing to healthcare, education, and infrastructure projects across Tanzania.

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These efforts not only strengthen local communities but also enhance the reputation of France as a responsible and committed partner. The MoU, she emphasized, is more than a formal agreement; it is a strategic tool to unlock potential. By combining FTCC’s local expertise with Business France’s global networks, French companies can confidently explore sectors ranging from energy and finance to transportation and technology.

The collaboration promises to accelerate market entry, reduce operational risk, and facilitate sustainable investment projects. Ambassador Avé concluded with a call to action: “Tanzania must seize the moment. Let the world see your commitment to reform and openness.

Let the Africa Forward Summit be the platform where Tanzania shows it is ready to compete as a leading investment destination in East Africa.” In summary, the French-Tanzanian Chamber of Commerce is now positioned as a key enabler for French investment, supported by both the Tanzanian government’s openness and France’s commitment to Africa. While challenges remain in regulations, permits, and administrative efficiency, the opportunities are significant.

By fostering a predictable, welcoming, and business-oriented climate, Tanzania can attract long-term, impactful investments that drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen bilateral relations.

With the MoU in effect and the Africa Forward Summit approaching, the message is clear: Tanzania has the tools, the partnerships, and the potential, but it must act decisively, communicate clearly, and show that it is ready to welcome the future of investment today.