By Charles Mkoka, Kibaha, PWANI
Tanzania’s national trade promotion agency, TANTRADE, has held a special meeting with business owners in the Pwani (Coast) Region to promote wider adoption of the “Made in Tanzania” brand, as part of efforts to strengthen product quality and competitiveness.
During the meeting, TANTRADE introduced the label to traders from Kibaha and other areas in the region, encouraging them to use it to improve standards and enhance the visibility of Tanzanian products both locally and internationally.
Rehema Akida on acting assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Industry, Trade and Investment in the Pwani, said the label symbolises unity, success and national identity.
“This logo is a trademark that enables our products to be sold more easily at home and abroad,” she said. “It represents quality, authenticity and pride in our national brand.”
She added that products bearing the “Made in Tanzania” label meet required standards of quality and packaging, helping distinguish them from counterfeit goods.
“Our Made in Tanzania brand is a strategic commercial mark. It protects Tanzanian brands against foreign competition and adds value through quality assurance,” Rehema said.
Eliza, a representative from TANTRADE, said the agency designed the label to serve as a national mark for goods and services, supporting domestic and international trade.
“TANTRADE operates under the Ministry of Industry and Trade to promote and develop trade locally and globally. We focus on training, research, trade information, policy advocacy, trade fairs, trade mapping and more,” she said.
She added that the label reflects Tanzania’s national identity through its colours; blue, yellow, black and green; and helps promote industrial development, product integrity, patriotism and ethical business practices.
The application fee for the “Made in Tanzania” label is Tshs. 10,000, while the official branding cost is Tshs. 50,000, TANTRADE said.
The agency also maintains a national database of registered businesses, linking them to domestic and international market opportunities.
“Some traders have products but lack enough customers. Once you obtain the label, you are automatically entered into the database, giving you access to wider markets, including seasonal and international sales,” Eliza said.