Tanzania and Japan have agreed to deepen economic ties by encouraging more Japanese investment, expanding private-sector partnerships and addressing barriers facing Japanese companies seeking to operate in Tanzania.
The commitment was made on September 8, 2026, during a meeting in Tokyo between Minister of State in the President’s Office—Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Onishi Yohei.
The meeting was held as part of an investment mission to Japan led by Prof Mkumbo, which brought together representatives from Tanzania’s public and private sectors to promote investment opportunities, link businesses and attract new capital.
Mr Onishi highlighted the longstanding relations between Tanzania and Japan, noting Tanzania’s strategic position as a gateway to the East African market.
He also pointed to growing interest among Japanese companies in Tanzania and said the engagement could help create momentum for increased investment.
Prof Mkumbo said Tanzania valued Japan’s longstanding support for the country’s development and wanted to translate the bilateral relationship into greater trade and investment.
“We welcome increased participation by Japanese companies in Tanzania, particularly investments that can contribute to industrialisation, value addition, technology and knowledge transfer, employment creation and sustainable economic transformation,” Prof Mkumbo said.
The two sides also discussed challenges affecting Japanese companies already operating in Tanzania and those seeking to enter the market.
Mr Onishi raised concerns experienced by Japanese businesses, stressing the need to address such challenges if Tanzania is to attract greater Japanese participation.
Prof Mkumbo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the business environment, saying Tanzania would continue listening to investors and removing barriers affecting existing and prospective businesses.
He said the government remained focused on strengthening investment facilitation to make it easier for companies to establish and expand their operations in the country.
The mission was organised by the Tanzanian Embassy in Japan in collaboration with the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF).
The mission also seeks to strengthen long-term economic cooperation by connecting Tanzanian businesses with Japanese counterparts and showcasing opportunities in sectors with potential for industrialisation and value addition.