By Charles Mkoka
Dodoma, Tanzania — The Ministry of Industries and Trade, through Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) has called on entrepreneurs to embrace value addition, modern technology and quality standards to transform locally available resources into competitive products for domestic and international markets
Speaking during an interview at the 2026 Public service week exhibitions, SIDO Marketing Officer, Antonia Masoi said that the agency continues to provide training, technology support, market linkages and financial access to help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises grow into sustainable industries.
She said Tanzania possesses abundant agricultural, livestock and fisheries resources, but many producers continue to sell them in their raw form, limiting their economic potential.
“We want to see entrepreneurs adding value to what we produce. If it is maize, let us sell flour. If it is groundnuts, let us process them into products with higher value. Through processing and packaging, entrepreneurs can increase their income and create stronger businesses,” Masoi said.
SIDO operates technology centres in seven regions, focusing on developing appropriate processing technologies based on Tanzania’s locally available raw materials.
Beyond production, SIDO helps entrepreneurs improve product quality, branding, labelling and packaging to ensure their goods can compete effectively in the market.
“Once an entrepreneur has received the right training, adopted suitable technology and maintained quality standards, the product can access wider markets both within Tanzania and internationally,” she said.
SIDO also supports entrepreneurs to promote their products through regional and national trade exhibitions. The organisation’s national exhibition for this year is scheduled to take place in Kahama from October 21 to 30.
To assist growing businesses, SIDO works with several financing schemes, including the National Entrepreneurship Development Innovation Fund (NEDIF), Credit Guarantee Scheme, development partners’ financing programmes and a youth-focused fund implemented in collaboration with CRDB Foundation.
Young Tanzanians are being encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities and establish industries that can contribute to employment creation and national economic growth.
The institution insisted that informal producers of products such as soaps and cosmetics to seek professional training before entering the market, saying many entrepreneurs rely on unverified online information and often fail to meet required quality standards.
They argue that proper training through SIDO equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge needed to meet quality requirements before seeking certification from relevant regulatory authorities.
“Come to SIDO. Let us walk together in pushing the wheel of the economy and building stronger Tanzanian industries,” she said.
