Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a robust services sector as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable growth during the Global Services Forum, held on the sidelines of the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI) in Geneva.
The country’s delegation was led by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations Offices in Geneva and other international organisations, Dr. Abdallah Saleh Possi, who participated in high-level discussions on harnessing the potential of services to drive structural transformation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Possi highlighted Tanzania’s growing emphasis on trade in services as a pillar of national economic development and resilience.
He noted that the services sector ranging from transport, tourism, finance, and ICT to professional and creative services plays an increasingly vital role in supporting other productive sectors such as agriculture and industry.
“For Tanzania, services are not just an economic component but a catalyst for transformation,” Dr. Possi said.
“They strengthen our value chains, enhance connectivity, and open new opportunities for youth and women in a rapidly changing digital economy.”he added
The Global Services Forum brought together policymakers, economists, and private sector leaders from across the world to share experiences and chart strategies for leveraging the services sector in developing economies.
Discussions centred on policy reforms, digital inclusion, and the role of services in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Possi emphasised that Tanzania’s participation aligns with the country’s Vision 2050 and the National Trade Policy (2023), both of which prioritise services as a core enabler for economic competitiveness and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He noted that Tanzania is working to expand service trade opportunities through investment in digital infrastructure, logistics, and financial inclusion critical areas for connecting local businesses with regional and international markets.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan commended African countries, including Tanzania, for their proactive engagement in the global services dialogue, stressing that the future of trade and development will depend on the ability of developing nations to harness innovation and technology in service delivery.
As the global economy increasingly shifts toward service-led growth, Tanzania’s presence at the Geneva forum underscores its determination to position itself as a competitive player in the international trade landscape while ensuring that the benefits of growth are broadly shared among its citizens.