The Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) has called on investors to tap into agro-processing opportunities in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region, saying the area offers strong potential for value addition to its fast-growing agricultural sector.
The authority said its latest investment outreach is aimed at attracting businesses that can establish processing industries for key crops, including avocados, cocoa, tea, bananas and ginger, to boost exports and increase farmers' earnings.
Speaking during an investment awareness programme in Rungwe, TISEZA Southern Highlands Zone Manager Fidelis Obanga said the authority is encouraging producers and exporters to formally register with TISEZA to benefit from government investment incentives and business support services.
He said the initiative is intended to strengthen private sector participation in the economy, in line with the goals of the National Development Vision 2050, which identifies private investment as a key engine of economic growth.
Mr Obanga said Rungwe's favourable climate and high agricultural output make it one of Tanzania's most promising destinations for agro-processing investments.
"The district has significant production of commercial and food crops that present opportunities for investors to establish processing industries and create more value locally," he said.
Rungwe District Council's Head of Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Adam Salumu, said the district remains one of Tanzania's leading avocado-producing areas but continues to face a shortage of processing facilities.
He said the council has earmarked land for industrial investment and is inviting local and foreign investors to establish processing plants that will reduce post-harvest losses, expand market opportunities and improve incomes for farmers.
Meanwhile, Kuza African Limited said it has continued to provide a reliable market for avocado growers by purchasing produce directly from farmers.
The company's manager, Noel Kabuje, said Kuza African bought avocados worth more than TZS 9.8 billion from farmers in 2025 and expects to spend over TZS 10 billion on purchases this year as demand for the crop continues to grow.
The investment drive comes as Tanzania seeks to expand value addition in agriculture, reduce exports of raw produce and promote industrialisation through increased private sector investment.
