Tanzania Registers 3,538 Investment Projects Worth $68.6 Billion in Five Years, with China as Leading Foreign Investor
Tanzania registered 3,538 investment projects with a combined value of US$68.6 billion between 2021 and 2026, according to figures presented by the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA). China emerged as the largest foreign source of investment capital, accounting for US$14.1 billion over the period.
The figures were presented by TISEZA Director General Gilead Teri during a meeting with media editors in Dar es Salaam on November 2, 2026. The report was published on November 4. The registered projects are expected to generate more than one million jobs if implemented.
Manufacturing Leads Investment Project Registrations
Manufacturing recorded the largest number of registered projects, with 1,061 projects, representing approximately 30% of the total.
Other leading sectors included transport, tourism, agriculture and commercial buildings:
- Manufacturing: 1,061 projects
- Transport: 525 projects
- Tourism: 335 projects
- Agriculture: 308 projects
- Commercial buildings: 301 projects
The figures indicate that investment activity extends beyond manufacturing to sectors supporting infrastructure, trade, tourism and agricultural production.
China Leads Foreign Investment Capital
China ranked first among foreign sources of investment capital, with registered projects valued at US$14.1 billion. The United Arab Emirates followed with approximately US$5.039 billion.
The five leading foreign investment sources were:
- China: US$14.1 billion
- United Arab Emirates: US$5.039 billion
- Mauritius: US$2.1 billion
- United Kingdom: US$1.6 billion
- India: US$1.5 billion
The figures highlight the significant role of Asian and Middle Eastern investors in Tanzania’s investment landscape. However, the reported amounts represent the registered value of projects and should not be interpreted as capital already disbursed or actual foreign direct investment inflows.
More Than One Million Jobs Expected
According to TISEZA’s Director General, the registered projects are expected to create more than one million employment opportunities.
Achieving this target will depend on project implementation, financing and the commencement of commercial operations. The conversion of registered investment plans into operational businesses will therefore be an important factor in determining their economic impact.
TISEZA’s Priorities for 2027
TISEZA has outlined several priorities for 2027, including:
- Helping small-scale producers access international markets
- Developing special economic and industrial zones
- Improving business and investment registration systems
- Facilitating investment activities and coordinating investor services
TISEZA began operations on July 1, 2025, following the merger of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA). The new authority was established to integrate investment promotion and special economic zone services.
Business Opportunities for Iranian Companies
The growth in registered investment projects, particularly in manufacturing, could create demand for industrial equipment, raw materials and technical services in Tanzania.
Iranian companies may explore potential opportunities in:
- Industrial machinery and production lines
- Food-processing and agricultural-processing equipment
- Chemicals and petrochemical products
- Mining and metal-industry equipment and components
- Construction materials and infrastructure supplies
- Engineering, installation, maintenance and technical services
Given the significant number of manufacturing projects, identifying operational projects and assessing their import requirements could help Iranian suppliers explore commercial partnerships in Tanzania. Companies should first verify project status, financing arrangements, licences and the investor’s implementation capacity.
Conclusion
The registration of 3,538 projects valued at US$68.6 billion over five years highlights the scale of Tanzania’s investment pipeline. Manufacturing accounted for the largest number of projects, while China was the leading foreign source of registered investment capital.
The key measure of economic impact in the coming years will be how many of these projects translate into operational businesses, productive capacity, sustainable employment and exports. For Iranian companies, monitoring industrial projects and identifying their actual supply requirements could create opportunities for future trade and cooperation.
Sources: Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), TanzaniaInvest and Daily News Tanzania, November 2026.
