Trademark to boost exports
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has taken a significant stride towards strengthening its global trade footprint with the official launch of the ‘Made in Tanzania’ national trademark.
This new symbol of quality, authenticity and national pride is strategically aimed at boosting the country’s competitiveness in international markets.
The landmark initiative was unveiled on Monday by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi during the official opening of the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Exhibition Grounds.
The trademark is meticulously designed to position Tanzanian goods as distinctive and high-quality products in both regional and global markets, while celebrating local craftsmanship and innovation.
“This mark will not only help our products compete internationally, but it will also build consumer confidence. It reflects the creativity, value and identity of our people,” Dr Mwinyi said.
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He urged citizens to embrace and promote locally made goods, stressing that supporting domestic industries is key to achieving sustainable development and economic resilience.
Dr Mwinyi also directed the Ministries of Industry and Trade from both the Mainland and Zanzibar, along with the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), to educate producers and traders on the purpose and proper use of the mark.
“This initiative will only succeed if it reaches the grassroots. Producers, businesses and citizens must understand how and why to use it,” he said.
On infrastructure, the President called on relevant ministries and stakeholders to fast-track the ongoing upgrade of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Exhibition Grounds.
“This is the time to build a modern, world-class exhibition centre that meets international standards. The government has already created a supportive legal environment through PPP Act reforms. Now, implementation must match ambition,” he added.
This year’s DITF has attracted more than 5,700 exhibitors, both local and international, highlighting its growing role as a regional trade hub. Dr Mwinyi commended TanTrade for its efforts in organising the fair and advancing the nation’s trade goals.
He also pointed to Tanzania’s rising international visibility, citing Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, where the national pavilion has already drawn 4.7 million visitors. Tanzania also ranked second in a TikTok campaign for best national stamp, garnering over 950,000 votes.
Dr Mwinyi said both the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the Union Government have made strategic moves to align industrial and trade sector growth with the country’s inclusive development agenda.
“These include simplifying the business environment, encouraging innovation, enhancing digital systems, engaging the private sector and creating direct feedback mechanisms to support a favourable investment climate,” he noted.
Minister for Industry and Trade Dr Selemani Jafo said the timing of the trademark launch is ideal, as Tanzania now produces some goods, such as cement and glass, in volumes that exceed local demand and are being exported.
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“This trade fair is historic. It marks the official debut of the ‘Made in Tanzania’ brand for products entering international markets, making them easily recognisable and marketable,” he said.
TanTrade Director General Ms Latifa Khamis said the 49th DITF sets the stage for next year’s golden jubilee, marking 50 years since the fair’s establishment.
“Tanzania is proud to have hosted this fair annually — an achievement few countries can claim,” she said.
East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) Executive Director Ms Catty Wang noted that since 2021, her organisation has helped strengthen trade ties between Tanzania and China by facilitating the participation of Chinese manufacturers and investors at the DITF.
