The Made in Tanzania branding initiative is expected to help producers in Zanzibar’s blue economy expand market access and improve competitiveness, as the government intensifies efforts to promote locally made goods at regional and global levels.
Chairman of Tanzania Traders Hamis L. Lwembe said the initiative is strengthening the visibility and credibility of domestic products, particularly those linked to ocean-based activities such as fisheries, seaweed farming and marine tourism.
Lwembe was speaking on Monday during a visit to the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) pavilion at the 12th Zanzibar International Trade Fair (ZITF), being held at Dimani Grounds in Fumba.
“The Made in Tanzania brand is giving local producers a recognised identity that builds trust in the market,” Lwembe said. “It is helping Tanzanian products compete beyond our borders while restoring confidence among producers at home.”
He praised TanTrade for supporting local businesses through export promotion, trade fairs and market linkages, describing branding as a key tool in unlocking value for Zanzibar’s blue economy.
“With the right branding, products from the blue economy can access higher-value markets where quality, origin and standards matter,” he added.
The blue economy has become a strategic growth area for Zanzibar, encompassing fishing, aquaculture, marine transport and coastal tourism. Authorities see value addition and branding as critical to increasing incomes and reducing reliance on raw exports.
Lwembe said traders’ associations would work closely with TanTrade to ensure more small and medium-sized enterprises benefit from the Made in Tanzania initiative, particularly those seeking entry into export markets.
TanTrade officials said the authority is using the trade fair to showcase Tanzanian products, promote value addition and encourage partnerships with buyers and investors from within and outside the country.
The Zanzibar International Trade Fair has attracted exhibitors from Tanzania and abroad, providing a platform for businesses to display products, explore partnerships and exchange market information.
As Zanzibar positions the blue economy as a pillar of economic growth, stakeholders say initiatives such as Made in Tanzania could play a key role in transforming local producers into competitive, export-ready enterprises.
