Tanzania has intensified its drive to attract foreign capital into its industrial sector, positioning the country as a competitive destination for manufacturing investment as it seeks to expand production, create jobs and accelerate economic transformation.
The renewed push comes as the government continues to open up investment space through policy reforms and the expansion of special economic zones, which are seen as critical in supporting export-led industrialisation.
Speaking during a high-level engagement in Dar es Salaam, the Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority, Gilead Teri, called on investors from Belarus to explore opportunities available in Tanzania’s fast-growing industrial landscape.
The meeting brought together Tanzanian officials and Belarus Foreign Affairs Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, who toured the Benjamin Mkapa Special Economic Zone on April 29, 2026, as part of efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties.
Mr Teri said Tanzania has made significant strides in improving its investment climate, including streamlining procedures and enhancing infrastructure within designated industrial zones to ease business operations.
“We are creating a business-friendly environment that allows investors to operate efficiently and competitively. There are vast opportunities in manufacturing, supported by the availability of serviced industrial land and strategic access to regional and global markets,” he said.
The TISEZA chief noted that special economic zones are increasingly playing a central role in attracting export-oriented industries, with the government prioritising industrial parks that offer incentives and reliable infrastructure.
For his part, Mr Ryzhenkov commended Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen its economic fundamentals, particularly investments in infrastructure and reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
He said Belarus is keen to expand cooperation with Tanzania in key sectors, including manufacturing, trade and investment, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.
“We see strong prospects for collaboration that can deliver tangible benefits to both countries, especially in industrial development,” he said.
As part of the visit, the Belarus delegation toured a jeans manufacturing facility operated by Tooku within the special economic zone, gaining first-hand insight into Tanzania’s growing export manufacturing capacity.
The delegation included Tanzania’s Ambassador to Russia, Fredrick Kibuta, and Belarus Ambassador to Tanzania, Dzmitry Krasouski.
The engagement underscores Tanzania’s broader strategy to leverage international partnerships to drive industrialisation, with a focus on value addition, job creation and increased participation in global value chains.
