Tanzania uses the TANFORD platform to promote its status as a hub for regional trade, logistics

DUBAI: THE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, James Kinyasi Millya, participated in the Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TANFORD) Conference held on 13-14 February 2026 in Dubai, UAE.

The conference, the first organized by TANFORD, brought together Tanzanian businesspeople and logistics professionals operating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Its main objective was to discuss opportunities for business growth, strengthen international cooperation, and enhance the contribution of stakeholders in trade and logistics sectors to national economic development. This year’s theme was “Connecting Global Trade with the Heart of Africa.”

In his address, Hon. Millya emphasized the implementation of Tanzania’s Foreign Policy based on economic diplomacy, highlighting the country’s efforts to promote trade and economic relations regionally and internationally. He also outlined Tanzania’s strategic goal to become a hub for trade and logistics in the East African, Central African, and Southern African regions.

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Additionally, Deputy Minister Millya stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, the private sector, and international development partners to stimulate and expand economic opportunities in line with the National Development Vision 2050. He also encouraged investment in the blue economy and tourism sectors as key pillars for business and economic growth.

The conference was attended by participants from various ministries, institutions, business associations, and private sector stakeholders from Tanzania and other countries. Parallel sessions were also held to strengthen cooperation among business representatives from landlocked countries, including Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, along with representatives from government institutions.