Tanzania is intensifying efforts to attract Japanese investors to key sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and logistics, in a bid to boost economic growth and expand international trade.
The call came during a meeting between Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango and the incoming Tanzanian Ambassador to Japan, Anderson Mutatembwa, held at Chamwino State House in Dodoma.
Vice President Mpango urged Ambassador Mutatembwa to position Tanzania as a prime investment destination for Japanese businesses.
He stressed the importance of attracting companies that can add value to local products and increase exports to Japan and global markets.
“Japanese investment is critical for Tanzania’s development. We are particularly interested in automobile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and electronics. At the same time, sectors like tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and healthcare offer untapped potential that can benefit from Japanese expertise,” Dr. Mpango said.
The Vice President highlighted Japan’s strong capabilities in logistics and healthcare as opportunities for Tanzania to gain knowledge and technical skills, particularly in managing non-communicable diseases such as heart and kidney conditions.
He also urged the Ambassador to leverage existing cooperation agreements, promote Tanzania among the Japanese business community, and encourage Tanzanians living in Japan to contribute to national development through investments in housing and enterprises.
Promoting Kiswahili abroad was also emphasized, including opportunities for teachers and translators, to strengthen Tanzania’s cultural and economic presence globally.
Dr. Mpango advised Ambassador Mutatembwa to use key national resources, including the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, CCM Party Manifesto, and statistical data from the National Bureau of Statistics, to guide his work.
In response, Ambassador Mutatembwa thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for the appointment and pledged to safeguard Tanzania’s interests while strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
The initiative reflects Tanzania’s broader strategy of leveraging diplomatic relations to attract high-value investments, enhance skills transfer, and position the country as a competitive hub in East Africa, while deepening economic ties with one of the world’s leading industrial nations.