By Our Reporter
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has directed public institutions to prioritise locally manufactured products in construction and procurement, warning that government efforts to build domestic industries will remain limited unless local producers have reliable markets.
He said public institutions should use materials manufactured in Tanzania, including glass, steel bars, marble and furniture, instead of opting for imported alternatives where locally produced products are available.
The directive is intended to increase demand for domestic products, support industrial growth, protect jobs and ensure that more economic benefits remain within the country.
Dr Nchemba issued the instructions yesterday while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the launch of the Sustainable Industrial Development Policy 2025 and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Policy 2003 (2025 Edition) at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma.
"Let this start with the government. Even when we construct government buildings, we should use products manufactured here in the country," he said.
The Prime Minister said the government must demonstrate its commitment to industrial development through its own procurement decisions, rather than simply introducing policies without putting them into practice.
"We have put these policies in place, so we must practise what we preach," he said.
He also directed the government to review existing laws and address provisions that create loopholes or undermine efforts to prioritise locally manufactured products.
The issue is significant for domestic manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, which need predictable demand to expand production, invest in equipment and create employment.
Dr Nchemba cautioned that establishing industries alone would not guarantee economic growth if the products they manufacture were not purchased.
"Let us use products manufactured in our country with confidence, satisfaction and pride to protect our industries, jobs and national revenue, as well as promote economic growth," he said.
Beyond public procurement, the Prime Minister called for a change in how government officials engage with the private sector, saying investors and businesses should be recognised as important partners in economic development.
He stressed the need to respect private capital and investment while maintaining a business environment that encourages greater private sector participation.
On implementation of the newly launched policies, Dr Nchemba directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to establish clear implementation strategies, strengthen monitoring and evaluation, and coordinate with other ministries and private sector players.
He also called for stronger value chains to enable small and medium-sized enterprises to supply raw materials and services needed by large industries.
Such linkages, he said, would allow smaller businesses to participate more directly in industrial development rather than remaining on the margins of the manufacturing sector.
The Prime Minister said the government would also continue improving the business and investment environment and investing in energy, water, roads and railway infrastructure to strengthen the competitiveness of Tanzanian industries in regional and international markets.
Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga said the ministry had prepared a 10-year implementation strategy with annual targets to guide the execution of the policies.
She said progress would be regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure that the commitments translated into tangible results for businesses and the wider economy.
The strategy, she added, was expected to create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and expand markets for locally manufactured products, particularly within the East African region and across Africa.
Meanwhile, Minister of State in the President's Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, said the two policies were aligned with the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and would provide an important framework for achieving its objectives.
He cautioned that the success of the policies should not be measured by their launch but by their impact on people's lives.
"Let us not leave here celebrating that we have obtained policies. The real celebration will come when we translate these policies into better lives for Tanzanians," he said.