Tanzania’s Medical Tourism Sector Expands as International Patient Arrivals More Than Double

Tanzania is strengthening its position as an emerging medical tourism destination in East Africa through investments in specialised healthcare services and medical infrastructure. A new study published in 2026 shows that international patient arrivals increased from 5,705 in 2021 to 12,180 in 2025, more than doubling over the period.

The study, authored by Dr Ladislaus Batinoluho of the Open University of Tanzania, estimates that Tanzania accounts for approximately 15 to 20 percent of East Africa’s medical tourism market. The sector’s direct economic contribution is estimated at TSh166.5 billion, equivalent to approximately $70 million.

Specialised Healthcare Drives Growth in Foreign Patient Arrivals

The expansion of specialised medical services, including cardiology, cancer treatment and organ transplantation, has played an important role in attracting international patients.

Investments in facilities such as the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) and Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) have strengthened Tanzania’s healthcare capacity.

These institutions provide treatments that previously required some Tanzanian patients to travel abroad. At the same time, patients from neighbouring countries are increasingly choosing Tanzania for specialised services, lower treatment costs and shorter waiting times.

According to data cited in the study, international patients include visitors from Zambia, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Malawi.

Medical Tourism Creates Opportunities Beyond Healthcare

The economic impact of medical tourism extends beyond hospitals and healthcare providers.

International patients often travel with relatives and require accommodation, transport, food and other services during treatment and recovery. This creates additional demand for hotels, rental accommodation, transport operators and local businesses.

The combination of medical services and leisure tourism also presents an opportunity. Some patients choose to spend part of their recovery period in destinations such as Zanzibar after completing medical procedures.

Challenges Facing Tanzania’s Ambition to Become a Regional Medical Hub

Despite the increase in international patient arrivals, the study identifies several challenges that could affect the sector’s long-term development:

• Limited accommodation suitable for patients requiring extended recovery periods.
• Insufficient long-term care and post-treatment support facilities.
• The need for internationally recognised accreditation for hospitals and specialist healthcare services.
• Administrative and regulatory barriers affecting international patients.
• The need for better coordination, information and communication services for medical visitors.

The research also highlights the importance of improving professional training, expanding digital healthcare services for remote patient follow-up and providing transparent treatment cost estimates before patients travel.

Investment and Business Opportunities for Iranian Companies

The expansion of Tanzania’s medical tourism industry could create opportunities for Iranian businesses operating in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and engineering services.

Potential areas of cooperation include:

1. Medical and Hospital Equipment: Supplying diagnostic equipment, patient monitoring systems, operating theatre equipment and specialised medical supplies.

2. Specialised Healthcare Facilities: Cooperating on the development, equipment and upgrading of cardiology, oncology, orthopaedic and rehabilitation centres.

3. Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Products: Exploring opportunities to export medicines, pharmaceutical raw materials and medical consumables, subject to Tanzania’s registration and import requirements.

4. Recovery Accommodation: Investing in accommodation facilities near major hospitals, designed to meet the needs of patients and accompanying family members.

5. Digital Healthcare Services: Developing electronic medical records, telemedicine platforms and remote follow-up systems for international patients.

Entering these markets requires careful assessment of Tanzania’s health-sector regulations, medical device standards, facility accreditation requirements and potential local partners.

Conclusion

The more than twofold increase in international patient arrivals between 2021 and 2025 highlights Tanzania’s growing role in East Africa’s medical tourism market.

Expanding specialised healthcare services, strengthening hospital capacity and attracting patients from neighbouring countries could generate opportunities not only in healthcare but also in accommodation, transport, medical equipment and supporting services.

For Iranian companies active in medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, hospital services and health technology, Tanzania offers a market worth exploring for commercial partnerships and regional investment.

Sources:

• The Citizen, November 10, 2026
• Research by Dr Ladislaus Batinoluho, East African Journal of Management and Business Studies, Volume 6, Issue 1, 2026
• The Guardian Tanzania, September 5, 2025
• Daily News Tanzania, June 2, 2025