Tanzania is seeking to attract more domestic and foreign investment into horticulture to boost exports, create jobs and increase foreign exchange earnings, but limited access to bank financing remains a major obstacle to unlocking the sector's potential.
The challenge featured in discussions involving the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), investors and other stakeholders during the HortiLogistica Africa 2026 Exhibition, held in Arusha from November 8 to 10.
The exhibition provided a platform for promoting investment opportunities in Tanzania's horticultural industry and connecting investors with players across the value chain.
TISEZA also participated in an engagement meeting organised by the Netherlands Embassy, where participants examined how investment could help expand production, improve market access and strengthen the sector's contribution to the economy.
Horticulture is increasingly viewed as an important avenue for agricultural transformation, with opportunities to generate employment, expand exports, earn foreign exchange and stimulate agro-processing.
However, discussions identified difficulties in accessing finance as one of the constraints facing investors, particularly because some financial institutions have limited understanding of horticultural business models, profitability and investment potential.
This can make it difficult for businesses to secure loans needed to expand production, invest in modern technologies and improve processing and distribution capacity.
Participants also discussed the need to strengthen the investment environment through improved access to finance, better logistics and infrastructure, technology transfer, knowledge sharing and stronger links to domestic and international markets.
Value addition was another priority, with greater investment in processing and related activities offering opportunities to increase the value of agricultural products before they reach consumers and export markets.
TISEZA's participation forms part of its mandate to promote, facilitate and coordinate investment in Tanzania, including efforts to attract capital into productive sectors.
The discussions highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between the Government, investors, banks and development partners in addressing financing barriers and building a competitive and sustainable horticultural value chain.