Tanzania sees new dawn in value addition as it ceases to be a raw materials supplier

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has said Tanzania has entered a new phase of development aimed at transforming the country into a regional hub for value addition, innovation and industrial production, moving beyond its traditional role as a supplier of raw materials.

Speaking while opening the Africa50 Annual General Shareholders Meeting and the Africa Infrastructure Forum in Dar es Salaam yesterday, President Samia called on investors and financial institutions to partner with Tanzania in advancing investments across key strategic sectors.

She said the government continues to improve the investment climate through the development of modern infrastructure and by strengthening public-private partnerships to accelerate economic growth.

“For Tanzania, we are no longer in the position of being merely a source of raw materials. We are becoming a centre for value addition, innovation, industrial production and sustainable growth,” President Samia said.

She noted that the government is implementing major infrastructure projects, including the expansion and modernisation of the Port of Dar es Salaam, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), roads, bridges, transport corridors and modern airports.

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According to the President, these investments have begun to reinforce Tanzania’s position as a regional trade gateway for landlocked countries, including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

She also underscored the importance of energy as a key pillar of economic transformation, saying the government is investing in hydropower, natural gas and renewable energy to ensure a reliable electricity supply for industrial production and national development.

President Samia further invited investors to seize opportunities available in Tanzania’s transport, energy, logistics, manufacturing, digital infrastructure and industrial development sectors.

She said Tanzania remains committed to strengthening its partnership with Africa50 and other development partners in building a more connected, competitive and prosperous Africa.