Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving Tanzania’s investment climate through policy reforms, infrastructure development and stronger partnerships with the private sector, saying the measures are critical to achieving the country’s Development Vision 2050.
Speaking during the inauguration of a customs warehouse owned by Ciwaye Trading Co. Ltd in Chamwino District on Wednesday, Dr. Mwigulu said the government would continue removing investment bottlenecks and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He said the private sector should be accorded the same importance as the public sector because of its central role in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
“As we respect the public sector, we must give equal respect to the private sector. In many developed economies, the private sector remains the backbone of economic development,” he said.
The Prime Minister said his decision to personally launch the project reflected the government’s recognition of the growing contribution of local and foreign investors to Tanzania’s economic transformation.
He described the warehouse as a strategic investment whose significance goes beyond its physical structures.
“The importance of this project is not measured by the size of its buildings, but by the bold vision behind it and the impact it is expected to generate in line with our national development aspirations and the President’s vision,” he said.
Dr. Mwigulu noted that the project represents the type of investment the government seeks to promote under Vision 2050, particularly those capable of strengthening logistics, boosting trade and stimulating economic activity.
He said recent reforms to investment laws were designed to ensure Tanzanians benefit more directly from investment opportunities while taking a greater role in key sectors of the economy.
“In the past, investment incentives largely benefited foreign investors. Today, local investors can also access these incentives and undertake large-scale projects that were previously dominated by foreign firms,” he said.
According to him, the reforms have expanded opportunities for Tanzanian entrepreneurs to participate in major projects while attracting expertise and capital needed to accelerate industrialisation.
The Prime Minister also highlighted efforts to reduce the cost of doing business, including the removal of more than 270 taxes, fees and levies that had increased operating costs for businesses and consumers.
Economists have long identified regulatory burdens and multiple charges as key constraints to private-sector growth, making such reforms important in improving Tanzania’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
Dr. Mwigulu expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of implementation of the Ciwaye warehouse project, saying it demonstrated what could be achieved when investors are provided with a supportive business environment.
He described the choice of Dodoma as a strategic location for the facility due to its central position and growing role as a national transport and logistics hub.
Located at the heart of the country, Dodoma connects major economic corridors linking ports, agricultural zones and neighbouring countries, making it increasingly attractive for logistics and warehousing investments.
The Prime Minister urged workers at the facility to maintain professionalism and integrity to ensure the project remains sustainable and delivers long-term benefits to both the company and surrounding communities.
He also challenged regional and local government leaders to attract more investments by prioritising infrastructure projects that unlock economic opportunities and generate new sources of revenue.
“Infrastructure remains one of the most important factors investors consider when making decisions. Regions and councils should continue creating conditions that encourage private-sector participation,” he said.
To further support the project, Dr. Mwigulu directed the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to jointly assess the construction of a 25-kilometre tarmac road linking Chamwino to the Igandu railway station.
He said the proposed road would improve connectivity, lower transportation costs and enhance the efficiency of cargo movement through the warehouse.
Ciwaye Trading Co. Ltd Marketing Manager Leroy Nelson said the warehouse was built at a cost exceeding TZS 3 billion and has been completed in full.
He said the facility is expected to strengthen supply-chain efficiency, increase storage capacity and support the movement of goods within Dodoma and other parts of the country, reinforcing the region’s position as an emerging logistics centre.
