By The Respondents Reporter
Tanzania's ambition to attain upper-middle-income status will depend largely on its ability to build a competitive industrial economy, Vice President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi has said, calling for accelerated investment in innovation, technology and value-added manufacturing.
Speaking during the Golden Jubilee Awards marking the 50th anniversary of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba, in Dar es Salaam on Monday, Dr Nchimbi said the Sixth Phase Government has placed industrialisation at the centre of its long-term economic transformation agenda.
He said the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued implementing reforms aimed at creating a more attractive business and investment environment through improved policies, strategic infrastructure development, institutional reforms and greater support for private sector growth.
"The government's commitment is to build a competitive industrial economy that will propel Tanzania towards upper-middle-income status," Dr Nchimbi said, noting that sustained industrial growth would also enhance the country's competitiveness in regional and international markets.
His remarks come as Tanzania seeks to implement the National Development Vision 2050, which places industrial development, technological advancement and private sector-led growth at the heart of the country's next phase of economic transformation.
Dr Nchimbi said the Sabasaba exhibition has evolved beyond being an annual commercial event into a strategic platform that has strengthened business competitiveness, expanded market access for producers and fostered stronger links between manufacturers, traders and consumers over the past five decades.
"As we look towards 2050, the Sabasaba exhibition should become one of the largest international trade fairs in the world, positioning Tanzania as a continental hub for trade, investment, innovation and industrial development," he said.
He also challenged local manufacturers to embrace the newly introduced Made in Tanzania brand, saying a strong national identity for locally produced goods would enhance their visibility and competitiveness across African and global markets.
According to the Vice President, achieving the aspirations of Vision 2050 will require industries to shift towards producing high-value products while adopting modern technologies that improve productivity and efficiency.
He said investment in research, innovation, artificial intelligence, digital commerce and advanced production systems should become integral to Tanzania's industrial strategy if local firms are to compete successfully in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
Dr Nchimbi also called on financial institutions to expand access to affordable financing for manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), through more flexible lending terms.
He noted that limited access to capital remains one of the biggest obstacles facing many entrepreneurs and commended financial institutions that have already introduced financing products targeting industrial enterprises.
Minister for Industry and Trade Judith Kapinga attributed the success of the Sabasaba exhibition over the past 50 years to sustained collaboration between the government and the private sector.
She said the exhibition's growth reflects the confidence of investors, manufacturers and traders who have continued investing in production, improving product quality and exploring new export markets.
"The achievements we celebrate today are the result of strong partnerships between the government and the private sector. Farmers, manufacturers, traders, development partners and innovators have all played an important role in making the exhibition a national and international business platform," Ms Kapinga said.
She added that continued cooperation between public institutions and businesses will be essential in supporting Tanzania's industrialisation agenda and expanding the country's participation in regional and global trade.
Earlier, Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) Director General Dr Latifa Khamis said the Sabasaba exhibition has facilitated business opportunities worth Sh129.2 trillion since its establishment five decades ago.
She said the trade fair has become one of Tanzania's most important economic promotion platforms, helping connect local enterprises with international investors while strengthening the country's position on the global trade map.
The Golden Jubilee Awards recognised institutions, companies and individuals whose contributions have shaped the growth of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair over the past 50 years, underscoring its expanding role in advancing Tanzania's industrialisation, investment promotion and economic development.
