Tanzania and UNIDO Launch Five-Year Industrial Development Programme to Boost Local Value Addition and Exports

The Government of Tanzania and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have launched a five-year programme aimed at accelerating industrial development, increasing domestic value addition and strengthening the country’s export capacity.

The Programme for Country Partnership (PCP), covering 2026–2031, was officially launched on November 3, 2026, during the National Industrial Development Conference in Dodoma. The agreement had previously been signed in Vienna on June 22, 2026, and is aligned with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.

According to UNIDO, the programme has an indicative investment framework of nearly USD 67 million. Resources are expected to be mobilized through government contributions, development partners, climate finance and private-sector investment. This figure represents the programme’s indicative financing framework, not funding already fully secured or disbursed.

Six Priorities of Tanzania’s Industrial Development Programme

The PCP focuses on six main areas:

1. Industrial policy and governance: Strengthening institutions and improving the policy framework for industrial development.
2. Sustainable value chains and value addition: Connecting local producers and raw-material suppliers with processing and manufacturing industries.
3. Skills development: Improving technical and vocational training to meet the needs of modern industries.
4. Investment and export promotion: Improving the investment climate, strengthening industrial competitiveness and expanding access to export markets.
5. Cleaner production and circular economy: Encouraging resource efficiency, waste reduction and more sustainable manufacturing practices.
6. Energy access and efficiency: Improving access to reliable energy and reducing industrial production costs through better energy efficiency.

The programme will cover both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, taking into account their respective industrial priorities.

Which Industries Could Benefit?

A major objective of the programme is to use Tanzania’s domestic resources as a foundation for expanding local processing and manufacturing.

Agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry and mining have been identified as important sources of raw materials for industrial development.

Potential areas of activity include food processing, agricultural value chains, livestock-related industries, fisheries processing, mineral beneficiation and the production of higher-value manufactured goods.

The broader objective is to reduce dependence on exporting unprocessed raw materials while creating more domestic economic value, employment and export opportunities.

Business Opportunities for Iranian Companies

The programme could create opportunities for Iranian businesses seeking industrial partnerships and commercial cooperation with Tanzanian companies.

Potential areas include:

• Industrial machinery and equipment: Supplying production lines, factory equipment and machinery for processing industries.
• Agricultural and food processing: Cooperation in coffee, cashew, horticultural and other agricultural product processing.
• Mining and mineral processing: Supplying extraction, crushing, processing and mineral beneficiation equipment.
• Packaging and logistics: Developing packaging facilities, storage systems and export-related infrastructure.
• Technology transfer and training: Providing technical expertise, equipment maintenance services and industrial workforce training.

For Iranian companies, identifying Tanzania’s industrial priorities and establishing relationships with local manufacturers, investors and relevant institutions could provide a starting point for evaluating potential projects.

The Role of the Private Sector

The PCP is designed as a government-led partnership, but private companies, investors and financial institutions are expected to play an important role in its implementation.

The programme aims to improve coordination among public institutions, businesses and development partners to support industrial investment and expand domestic production.

Its success will depend on translating the proposed priorities and financing framework into practical projects, mobilizing investment, strengthening infrastructure and creating stronger links between large manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s 2026–2031 partnership with UNIDO establishes a five-year framework for expanding domestic industry, increasing the value of natural resources and strengthening export capacity.

Its focus on agricultural and mineral processing, industrial skills, investment promotion and production technology could create new opportunities for international companies.

Iranian businesses may also explore potential cooperation in industrial equipment, technology transfer, agricultural processing and manufacturing partnerships as Tanzania advances its industrial development agenda.

Sources:

• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Tanzania PCP official launch, November 3, 2026.
• UNIDO, Tanzania and UNIDO sign five-year Programme for Country Partnership, June 22, 2026.
• Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), PCP programme announcement, November 3, 2026.