President Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan today received the Ambassador of Italy to Tanzania, Giuseppe Sean Coppola, alongside a delegation from the Danieli Group, a global leader in steel technology and engineering, as the company expressed strong interest in investing in Tanzania’s steel sector.
The delegation shared preliminary plans for a modern, large-scale steel plant in Mtwara, to be developed in partnership with a Tanzanian private sector company.
The project, still in its early exploratory stage, is estimated at EUR 1.5 billion (about TZS 4.2 trillion) and would be implemented in phases, following further feasibility studies and government approvals.
President Samia welcomed the proposed investment, reaffirming Tanzania’s commitment to attracting strategic projects that drive industrial growth.
“Tanzania is positioning itself as a competitive and reliable investment destination. We have natural resources, a strategic location, and reforms that improve the business environment. We welcome partnerships that add value to our resources, create jobs, and strengthen our industrial economy,” she said.
Ambassador Coppola highlighted that the engagement is part of growing economic cooperation between Italy and Tanzania, including under the Mattei Plan for Africa, which promotes sustainable, mutually beneficial investments.
“Tanzania stands out as a key partner, and we look forward to advancing discussions with the government,” he said.
Danieli Group CEO Giacomo Mareschi Danieli stressed the strategic reasons for the company’s interest.
“Tanzania offers significant potential due to its natural resources, growing market, and strategic regional position. Our approach focuses on long-term partnerships, bringing advanced and environmentally responsible technology while building local skills and sustainable industrial capacity,” he said.
If realised, the project could play a pivotal role in Tanzania’s Vision 2050 industrialisation agenda by boosting domestic steel production, reducing imports, adding value to local resources, and creating jobs.
It could also position Tanzania as a regional hub for steel production, particularly for neighbouring landlocked countries, while supporting infrastructure and logistics development in the Mtwara corridor.
President Samia reiterated that the government welcomes investors who bring capital, technology, and skills transfer while showing long-term commitment to the country’s development.
The meeting underscored Tanzania’s growing appeal as an investment destination and the shared determination to pursue sustainable economic growth.
