Tanzania is targeting an increase in the manufacturing sector's contribution to the economy to 15 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as the government prepares to launch two revised policies aimed at accelerating industrialisation and expanding opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The policies are expected to address some of the challenges facing local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, including access to finance, markets, technology and infrastructure, while strengthening the country's capacity to add value to locally available raw materials.
Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba is expected to officiate at the launch scheduled for November 4, 2026, in Dodoma.
The two instruments are the Sustainable Industrial Development Policy 2025 and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Policy 2003 (2025 Edition).
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on October 31, 2026, Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga said the policies had been reviewed to reflect changing economic conditions and create a more supportive environment for investment, production and business growth.
She said increasing industry's contribution to GDP to 15 per cent would require stronger domestic production, greater value addition and improved competitiveness of locally manufactured goods.
The target also places renewed emphasis on transforming locally available resources into finished products rather than relying heavily on the export of raw materials.
Ms Kapinga said the ministry was aligning its priorities with the President's directives for government sectors to reorganise their operations and strengthen their contribution to economic growth.
Beyond industrial production, the government is also seeking to strengthen the Made in Tanzania brand to increase consumer confidence in locally manufactured products and expand their market reach.
She said promoting domestic products was important not only for supporting local manufacturers but also for encouraging Tanzanians to appreciate and consume goods produced within the country.
Under the revised SME policy, the government intends to improve business-support infrastructure, expand access to capital, promote technology and innovation, and ease access to markets for goods and services produced by small and medium-sized businesses.
Ms Kapinga said the interventions would help entrepreneurs expand their businesses, improve productivity and contribute more to economic growth.
SMEs are an important part of the business environment, making their ability to access finance, technology and reliable markets critical to their growth and capacity to create employment.
The Sustainable Industrial Development Policy, on the other hand, focuses on strengthening value chains, developing strategic industries and increasing the value of agricultural products and other natural resources produced locally.
It also seeks to improve the quality of manufactured goods and strengthen the ability of domestic industries to compete in both local and international markets.
According to Ms Kapinga, the policy is expected to stimulate investment in manufacturing and create additional employment opportunities.
However, the impact of the two policies will largely depend on how effectively their objectives are translated into practical interventions, particularly in addressing the constraints that continue to affect manufacturers and small businesses.
These include access to affordable financing, production technology, reliable infrastructure and markets capable of supporting business expansion.
Ahead of the official launch, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has scheduled exhibitions and business clinics for November 2, followed by a stakeholders' conference on November 3.
The activities will provide an opportunity for manufacturers, entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders to understand the policies, discuss implementation arrangements and identify their roles in advancing industrialisation and entrepreneurship.
Dr Nchemba is expected to officiate at the formal launch in Dodoma on November 4.