Tanzania Trade & Investment
Tanzania is one of East Africa's fastest-growing economies with significant opportunities in mining, agriculture, tourism, energy, and manufacturing. The country's strategic location and membership in the East African Community (EAC) make it a gateway for trade in the region.
Mining & Natural Resources
Tanzania is Africa's fourth-largest gold producer and the world's ONLY source of tanzanite, a rare blue-violet gemstone found exclusively near Mount Kilimanjaro at the Mererani mines.
Key Minerals
- Gold: Major mines at Geita, Bulyanhulu, North Mara, and Buzwagi. Tanzania produces 40+ tonnes annually
- Tanzanite: Found ONLY in Tanzania (Mererani). One of the world's rarest gemstones, 1,000 times rarer than diamonds
- Diamonds: Williamson Diamond Mine (Mwadui) is one of the world's largest kimberlite diamond mines
- Other: Uranium, nickel, cobalt, copper, tin, and rare earth elements
Mining Sector Facts
- Contributes approximately 5-6% of GDP
- Tanzania Mining Commission regulates the sector
- Government requires 16% free carried interest in mining operations
- Mining Act 2010 (amended 2017) governs all mining activities
- Tanzanite export regulated to promote local value addition
Agriculture
Agriculture remains the backbone of Tanzania's economy, employing approximately 65% of the workforce and contributing around 27% of GDP. Tanzania is one of Africa's leading agricultural producers.
Key Export Crops
- Coffee: Both Arabica (Kilimanjaro, Mbeya) and Robusta (Kagera). Tanzania produces 50,000+ tonnes annually
- Cashew nuts: Southern Tanzania (Mtwara, Lindi) is a major cashew producer. Fourth-largest in Africa
- Tobacco: A significant export commodity, grown mainly in Tabora region
- Tea: Grown in the Southern Highlands (Iringa, Mufindi). Export quality
- Sisal: Tanzania was once the world's largest producer. Still significant in Tanga region
- Cloves: Zanzibar's historic export crop, though production has declined
Food Crops
- Maize (staple food)
- Rice (Mbeya, Shinyanga)
- Cassava
- Sweet potatoes
- Bananas (Kilimanjaro, Kagera)
- Beans and pulses
Opportunities
- Agricultural processing and value addition
- Irrigation infrastructure (only 2% of arable land irrigated)
- Cold chain logistics
- Organic and speciality coffee markets
East African Community (EAC) & Trade
Tanzania is a founding member of the East African Community (EAC), a regional intergovernmental organisation that includes Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC, and Somalia. The EAC aims for economic integration through a customs union, common market, and ultimately a monetary union.
- EAC Customs Union: Reduced tariffs and common external tariff on goods from outside the bloc
- EAC Common Market: Free movement of goods, labour, services, and capital within member states
- Dar es Salaam Port: The busiest port in East Africa, handling cargo for landlocked countries including Zambia, DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, and Malawi
- SADC membership: Tanzania is also a member of the Southern African Development Community
- AfCFTA: Tanzania has ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement
Major Trading Partners
Energy & Natural Gas
Tanzania has significant natural gas reserves, primarily offshore in the Indian Ocean. Discoveries at the Songo Songo and Mnazi Bay fields, plus deep-water discoveries off the southern coast, have positioned Tanzania as a future major gas producer.
- Gas reserves: Estimated 57+ trillion cubic feet of proven recoverable natural gas
- LNG project: Plans for a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Lindi, with international partners
- Domestic gas use: Gas-to-power plants supply electricity. The Kinyerezi gas power plant complex is one of the largest in East Africa
- Hydropower: Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station (2,115 MW) on the Rufiji River is one of Africa's largest dams, completed in 2024
- Renewables: Growing solar and wind energy sectors with government incentives
Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC)
The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) is the primary agency for promoting and facilitating investment in Tanzania. TIC offers a one-stop-shop service for investors.
Investment Incentives
- Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and Export Processing Zones (EPZ) with tax holidays
- Import duty exemptions on capital goods and raw materials
- Protection of investments under bilateral investment treaties
- Guaranteed repatriation of profits and dividends
Priority Sectors
Big Results Now (BRN) & Economic Transformation
The Big Results Now (BRN) initiative, launched in 2013, is Tanzania's results-based accountability programme targeting six priority areas: energy, agriculture, water, education, transport, and resource mobilisation. While the programme has evolved, its legacy continues to shape Tanzania's development planning.
Tanzania's economy has grown at 6-7% annually in recent years, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa. The country aims to achieve middle-income status through industrialisation and value addition.
Key Economic Indicators
- GDP: Approximately $75 billion (2026 est.)
- Population: ~65 million (2026 est.)
- Capital: Dodoma (administrative), Dar es Salaam (commercial)
- Major exports: Gold, agricultural products, manufactured goods
Interested in Doing Business in Tanzania?
Contact a Tanzania embassy for trade facilitation and investment guidance