The Government of Tanzania has set a strategic target for Tanzanians to own at least 30 percent equity in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) dedicated to export-oriented production.
This directive was announced by the Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, Professor Kitila Mkumbo.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the launch of SEZs aimed at stimulating export trade across Africa, Professor Kitila emphasized that the initiative is a key component of the National Development Vision 2050, which seeks to elevate Tanzania’s GDP to a staggering USD 1 trillion.
“The government is committed to ensuring Tanzanians play a significant role in the ownership and operation of these special production zones, either through partnerships or full ownership,” said Prof. Kitila. “This will foster inclusive growth, create jobs, and enhance domestic value addition.”
The newly launched SEZs include strategic locations such as Bagamoyo, Buzwagi, Kwala, Nala, and the Benjamin Mkapa Industrial Park in Dar es Salaam.
Alongside the launch, the government introduced a WhatsApp-based investor service desk designed to streamline investor engagement and facilitate seamless communication.
The Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), Gilead Teri, highlighted ten priority sectors targeted for investment in these zones.
These sectors comprise automobile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing for value addition, and the technology industry, among others.
Investors in the SEZs stand to benefit from a comprehensive incentive package, including the allocation of free project land, exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported machinery and equipment, expedited issuance of all necessary licenses and permits within 24 hours, and a 10-year corporate income tax holiday for companies operating under the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) scheme.
Minister Kitila underscored that all investments must align with government policies prioritizing high productivity, increased government revenue, export-oriented production, and the development of other sectors to achieve sustainable economic growth.
This initiative reaffirms Tanzania’s commitment to attracting quality investments that not only drive exports but also ensure that Tanzanians reap tangible benefits from the country’s economic transformation.