Tanzania's Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has directed the country’s trade promotion authority to step up market research both locally and internationally in a bid to strengthen exports and increase foreign currency inflows.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), Mr Majaliwa said the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) must play a more strategic role in identifying viable markets for Tanzanian goods, especially within major regional trade blocs.
“We are operating in a highly competitive global environment,” Mr Majaliwa said. “When I mentioned AfCFTA, EAC, and SADC, I meant that these are the spaces where we must focus our trade efforts. TanTrade must carry out in-depth analysis and provide market intelligence that guides our exporters.”he adde
He added that the government sees regional integration as a crucial pathway to economic growth, but stressed that success will depend on how well Tanzania understands and adapts to market dynamics.
The Prime Minister called on local producers to increase investment and production capacity in goods with proven demand in both domestic and foreign markets. He said exhibitions like DITF should be used as platforms to monitor demand trends and inform production decisions.
“We need to expand the market base for agriculture, livestock, and fisheries products,” Mr Majaliwa said.
“But more importantly, we must ensure that our products meet international quality standards and are clearly branded as 'Made in Tanzania' that is our national identity.”he added
He also urged all trade and investment institutions both on the Mainland and in Zanzibar to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and create a business-friendly environment.
“Institutional bottlenecks must not hinder business. We must make it easier to trade and invest, not harder,” he said.
In his remarks, Industry and Trade Minister Dr Selemani Jafo revealed that over 2.4 million people attended the 16-day trade fair. He described the turnout as a clear sign of the fair’s growing regional and international relevance.
Dr Jafo also championed the importance of the Made in Tanzania label, saying it plays a key role in elevating the country’s manufacturing sector on the global stage.
“It’s a matter of national pride,” he said. “This label tells the world that Tanzanian products are ready for international markets.”
The annual trade fair, organised by TanTrade, has become one of East Africa’s largest commercial showcases, drawing participants from across the continent and beyond.