The government has urged domestic and foreign investors to put more capital into Tanzania’s livestock and fisheries sectors, citing opportunities to expand production, processing and value addition.
Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Ng’wasi Damas Kamani made the call on Thursday during a working visit to private companies operating in the sectors, including Alphakrust Limited and Farmbase in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kamani said the government was working to make it easier for businesses to invest and expand, while calling on investors to take advantage of opportunities across the livestock and fisheries value chains.
“Tanzania has many opportunities in the livestock and fisheries sectors, and investors should use them to increase production and add value to products from these sectors,” he said.
The government’s push comes as Tanzania seeks to increase the role of private investment in productive sectors and create more economic activity around agriculture and related value chains.
Mr Kamani said closer cooperation between the government and private sector was necessary to increase production and strengthen the contribution of livestock and fisheries to the economy.
He said the government was developing systems aimed at improving cooperation between public institutions and businesses, including measures relating to access to land, capital and tax arrangements.
“The government is standing shoulder to shoulder with the private sector to ensure that the investment environment remains friendly and enabling,” he said.
During his visit, Mr Kamani inspected production activities at Alphakrust Limited and Farmbase and engaged with the investors on their operations.
He said the government would continue working with investors to address challenges affecting businesses and create conditions that support long-term investment.
The Deputy Minister said the approach was also part of efforts to implement President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directives on strengthening private-sector participation in economic development.
He said the National Development Vision 2050 also gives the private sector a greater role in driving economic transformation.
For the livestock and fisheries sectors, increased private investment could support activities beyond primary production, including processing, storage, distribution and other forms of value addition.
Mr Kamani said sustained collaboration between the government and private sector would be important in expanding the sectors and ensuring that their economic potential translates into wider benefits for the country.