By Charles Mkoka
The potential for Tanzania to expand its export market is undeniable, yet significant challenges remain. With over 6 million people in the country and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region offering a potential consumer base of more than 1 billion, the opportunities are vast. However, Tanzania’s export volume remains small, largely relying on traditional products, with limited investment in value-added production.
Key discussions during the panel focused on the critical need for substantial capital investment, particularly in scaling up agriculture, improving irrigation systems, and exploring new opportunities that will open doors for further growth.
One notable achievement highlighted was Tanzania’s record-breaking sales of goods worth over USD 4 million. However, exporters continue to face barriers, such as stringent European standards for horticultural products, which add to the complexity of global trade.
Another significant challenge pointed out was the lack of skilled labor. Many in the workforce are seen as unreliable, lacking creativity, and discipline, which hinders productivity and overall commitment. This issue, experts argue, requires urgent attention and a complete transformation of the country's workforce culture.
Trademark Africa (TMA), a company with over a decade of experience in trade facilitation, is leading the way in digitalizing trade. TMA has digitized more than 13 different types of trade processes, helping to reduce costs for businesses and maximize government revenue.
The Vice President of the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (TCCIA) emphasized the Chamber’s role in empowering local businesses through services that simplify access to international markets. These include assistance with obtaining Certificates of Origin and product verification, as well as offering guidance to ensure that Tanzanian products meet international standards.
TCCIA also provides support to its members by helping them establish connections with international partners and reducing the risks of scams. The Chamber’s ongoing educational efforts aim to better equip local businesses to compete in global markets.
In terms of infrastructure, the panel discussed key investment opportunities, particularly in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which will require improvements to road networks connecting factories to railway routes. Additionally, the port is not yet fully equipped to handle perishable goods, presenting a significant barrier to the export of horticultural products and other time-sensitive goods.
The Vice President of TCCIA called for stronger collaboration between private sector businesses, academic institutions, and the government to align policies that not only promote business growth but also contribute to national development. The importance of research was stressed, with the need for more studies to identify global market opportunities for Tanzanian businesses.
A representative from Trademark Africa echoed the call for effective investment in digital systems to streamline trade processes and enhance the export sector.
The Chamber also urged all business owners to register in an information database, ensuring they stay informed on export market trends and opportunities.
As Tanzania looks to expand its global presence, the conversation at TCCIA's forum highlighted the urgent need for strategic investment in both infrastructure and workforce development to unlock the country’s full export potential.