The growing application of artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key opportunity for young entrepreneurs in Mtwara Region, as the government steps up its push for value addition, innovation and access to wider markets.
Speaking during the opening of the Industrial Product Identification and Artificial Intelligence seminar held on February 24, 2026, at the Mtwara Campus of Mtwara University of Science and Technology, Mtwara District Commissioner Abdallah Mwaipaya urged entrepreneurs and business owners to fully utilise government-supported opportunities, including branding and modern technologies, to enhance the value of their products.
Mr Mwaipaya said the government continues to discourage the sale of raw agricultural produce, calling on entrepreneurs particularly youth and women to focus on value addition as a strategy for increasing incomes and expanding businesses into regional and international markets.
“The emphasis is no longer on selling raw products. Entrepreneurs must add value, improve packaging and branding, and ensure their products meet market standards if they are to compete beyond local markets,” he said.
He commended local entrepreneurs for progress made in value addition, particularly in the cashew nut sector, noting that improved processing and marketing have enabled locally produced goods to meet international quality requirements.
Mr Mwaipaya said the seminar focused on three key areas: the use of artificial intelligence, application of QR codes for product identification and traceability, and the establishment of a district-level database for entrepreneurs.
He stressed that branding remains a critical factor in enabling products to stand out in increasingly competitive markets.
He further noted that rapid technological advancement makes it essential for entrepreneurs and innovators to adapt, adding that AI has become a powerful tool in improving efficiency, access to information and business decision-making.
The district commissioner also encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of low-interest government loans, currently offered at four percent to youth, women and special groups, to grow and formalise their businesses.
SIDO Regional Manager Merina Mkuchu said the Small Industries Development Organisation was pleased to coordinate the seminar due to the strong response from stakeholders, including SIDO-supported entrepreneur groups, the involvement of Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology, and support from the private sector that enabled the training to take place.
She said the seminar forms part of ongoing efforts to equip small and medium enterprises with practical skills and modern tools needed to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Meanwhile, COSTECH Senior Public Relations Officer Faisal A. Jalil praised the level of innovation displayed by participants, citing products such as spices, soaps, cashew nuts, peanut butter and chilli as evidence of growing creativity among local entrepreneurs.
He urged innovators to apply for support through the Samia Innovation Fund, saying the facility offers favourable conditions to help entrepreneurs scale up production, improve product quality, access international markets and contribute to economic growth and youth employment.
The seminar was organised under a collaborative framework involving SIDO, COSTECH and private sector partners, reflecting the government’s broader agenda of using technology and innovation to drive inclusive industrial growth.