By Our Reporter
Tanzania aims to become one of the world’s 10 largest food producers as the government increases investment in agriculture, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has said, outlining the country’s long-term ambition under the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
Speaking at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, in the United States, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Dr Nchemba said Tanzania wanted to become Africa’s leading food producer and rank among the world’s top 10.
“Our long-term aspirations are set out in Tanzania Development Vision 2050. Under its first goal, Tanzania aims to become Africa’s leading food producer and one of the world’s top 10 food producers,” he said.
The ambition comes as the government raises agricultural spending, with the ministry’s budget increasing from TZS294 billion in the 2021/22 financial year to TZS1.241 trillion in 2025/26.
Dr Nchemba said the increased allocation reflected the importance attached to agriculture as a driver of economic transformation, job creation, food and nutrition security, industrial growth and exports.
The investment has coincided with a reported national food self-sufficiency level of 130 per cent, indicating that domestic production exceeds the country’s estimated food requirements and creates opportunities for exports to regional and international markets.
“Our ability to meet national food demand is increasing, enabling us to produce a surplus for regional and international markets,” he said.
Agricultural exports also increased from $2.1 billion in 2021/22 to $3.7 billion in 2024/25, according to the Prime Minister.
Agriculture remains central to Tanzania’s economy, contributing 24.6 per cent of gross domestic product, employing about 65 per cent of the workforce and accounting for approximately 30 per cent of export earnings, while supplying raw materials to domestic industries.
However, achieving the country’s global food-production ambition will require sustained investment not only in production but also in research, technology and stronger food systems to ensure that increased output translates into affordable and nutritious food.
Dr Nchemba made the remarks during a discussion on the future of agriculture in Africa under the theme “Before Hunger Defeats Us”.
He said Africa should not be viewed only as a continent facing food-security challenges, but also as one with the potential to become a major contributor to global food supplies.
“Africa is not only a continent facing food-security challenges but also has enormous potential to become a major contributor to global food security. Tanzania intends to be part of that transformation,” he said.
He called for greater investment in farmers, science, young people, women and resilient food systems to help African countries increase production and respond to future food-security risks.
“Let us invest in farmers and in science. Let us invest in young people and women. Let us invest in resilient food systems and, above all, in Africa’s agricultural capacity,” he said.
“Before hunger defeats us, let us act, invest and innovate together. Let us build food systems capable of feeding both present and future generations.”
The Prime Minister also congratulated Dutch food-safety scientist Prof Huub Lelieveld, who was named the 2026 World Food Prize laureate, saying his work underscored the importance of food safety alongside availability.
“Food must not only be available. Scientific evidence shows that it must also be safe, nutritious and affordable,” Dr Nchemba said.
The World Food Prize Foundation named Prof Lelieveld the 2026 laureate in recognition of his work in food safety.
During the discussion, Prof Ruth Oniang’o, founder and editor-in-chief of the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, said Tanzania could become a model for other countries through its progress in agriculture.
She cited government investment in infrastructure, the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme and the deployment of agricultural extension officers as initiatives supporting the sector.
The BBT programme seeks to expand opportunities for young people in agriculture, while extension services help farmers access technical advice and improve production practices.
Dr Nchemba attended the meeting alongside Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Dr Ngwaru Maghembe, Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde, Tanzania’s Ambassador to the United States Dr Elsie Kanza and other government officials.