Strategic Investment Opportunities in Tanzania
Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has called on French investors to increase their presence in Tanzania, highlighting the country as a prime destination for long-term investment. This initiative aligns with Dar es Salaam’s ongoing efforts to implement its Development Vision 2050, which aims to transform Tanzania into a major economic hub.
During the Tanzania–France Business Roundtable held in Paris, Dr Nchemba led a high-level delegation focused on enhancing bilateral economic ties and fostering private sector cooperation between the two nations. The event brought together senior Tanzanian government officials, French business leaders, and representatives from both countries’ private sectors.
Key attendees included Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister for Minerals Anthony Peter Mavunde, Minister for Energy Deogratius Ndejembi, and Tanzania’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Saidi Othman Yakubu. On the French side, MEDEF International Chief Executive Officer Philippe Gautier and President of the French–East African Business Council Celine Gouvieia were present, along with Tanzanian entrepreneurs and investors based in Europe.
Dr Nchemba expressed gratitude on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the continued efforts of the French government and business communities to strengthen economic cooperation. He noted that Tanzania–France relations are entering a new phase, shifting from traditional development cooperation towards a more commercially driven partnership focused on investment, industrial development, technology transfer, and value addition.
“This evolution reflects deliberate policy choices by both governments and growing confidence among our respective business communities,” he said.
Economic Transformation and Development Vision 2050
Tanzania is actively implementing its Development Vision 2050, which targets the creation of a one-trillion-US-dollar economy anchored on industrialization, innovation, and inclusive growth. The government is undertaking reforms to improve the business environment, strengthen institutions, and expand infrastructure to position Tanzania as a regional hub for manufacturing, logistics, innovation, and investment.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy, contributing 26.5 per cent of GDP and employing about 65 per cent of the workforce. However, Dr Nchemba emphasized the need for increased investment in agro-processing, mechanization, irrigation, cold-chain systems, and food manufacturing to boost value addition.
Infrastructure development also presents significant opportunities, including ports, railways, highways, airports, and energy systems. Tanzania’s growing connectivity is strengthening its role as a regional logistics gateway.
Key Sectors for Collaboration
French expertise in engineering, transport systems, renewable energy, urban mobility, and infrastructure concessions is well aligned with Tanzania’s development priorities. The mining sector was also identified as a key area for cooperation, with Tanzania seeking investment in value addition and processing of minerals, including critical resources such as graphite, lithium, and rare earth elements, alongside gold, diamonds, and tanzanite.
Opportunities in the blue economy were also highlighted, with Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline serving as a platform for investment in fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, port services, and ocean-based industries.
Dr Nchemba underscored the importance of Tanzania’s young population, noting strong potential in digital technology, artificial intelligence, fintech, innovation ecosystems, and skills development, where French expertise could complement local talent.
Investment Climate and Institutional Support
Tanzania’s investment climate is supported by political stability, predictable policies, and strengthened institutions, including the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), which provides a one-stop facilitation center for investors. Investors benefit from legal protections, including guarantees on profit repatriation and access to international arbitration mechanisms.
Institutions such as the French–Tanzanian Chamber of Commerce play a vital role in converting dialogue into tangible investment outcomes. Dr Nchemba emphasized that Tanzania offers not only access to a market of more than 70 million people but also a strategic base for regional and global value chains across Africa.
“Tanzania offers peace, stability, strategic geography, abundant resources, and a young workforce. These are complementary strengths that create exceptional opportunities for shared prosperity,” he said.
