The Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) has called on local and foreign investors to seize growing opportunities in Tanzania’s horticulture sector, particularly in production, storage, transportation and value addition, as the country seeks to strengthen agricultural productivity and expand export earnings.
TISEZA Investment Promotion Manager for Foreign Investment, Daudi Riganda, said horticulture, which covers flowers, fruits, vegetables and spices, offers significant investment potential, with opportunities to create jobs, increase farmers’ incomes and improve access to domestic and international markets.
He identified irrigation infrastructure, warehouses, cold rooms, cold storage facilities and agro-processing industries as key areas requiring investment to improve the handling, preservation and marketing of horticultural produce.
Speaking during the Hortilogistical Africa 2026 Exhibition, Riganda said TISEZA was using the platform to educate stakeholders and showcase investment opportunities available across the sector.
He said the authority's One-Stop Centre, which brings together approximately 15 government institutions, was designed to simplify investment procedures by allowing investors to access various government services under one roof.
According to Riganda, investors who meet the required conditions and submit all necessary documents can obtain an investment certificate within 24 hours.
He explained that Tanzanian investors are required to have minimum capital of approximately TZS 150 million, equivalent to USD 50,000, while foreign investors and joint ventures must have at least USD 500,000.
Riganda encouraged more Tanzanians to invest in the sector, saying greater local participation would help strengthen agricultural businesses, create employment and ensure that more economic benefits remain within the country.
Meanwhile, a representative from the Agricultural Transformation Office said efforts were underway to reduce post-harvest losses in horticultural produce from 40 per cent to 20 per cent through investment in modern storage facilities and value addition.
The representative identified avocados, bananas, grapes and spices among the strategic crops offering investment opportunities, particularly in processing, preservation and marketing.
Nasrul Salum Nasrul, from the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), said the authority's participation in the One-Stop Centre aimed to connect producers with domestic, regional and international markets.
He added that TanTrade was also supporting small-scale entrepreneurs to improve their businesses, expand production and gain access to larger markets.
For his part, Tulibako Minga from the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) said the centre provides services to stakeholders across the horticultural value chain, including production, domestic and international trade, and transportation of agricultural produce.
Mdili Katemani from the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) said the authority supports farmers and exporters by facilitating access to international markets through inspections of export produce and the issuance of phytosanitary certificates.
He said the authority also provides farmers with information and guidance on meeting international market standards, helping ensure that Tanzanian horticultural products meet the requirements of importing countries.
The growing investment opportunities in horticulture present a chance for Tanzania to reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen local industries, increase farmers' earnings and expand agricultural exports, while positioning the sector as an important contributor to the country's economic growth.