Tanzania is increasingly focusing on expanding its domestic production capacity, industrial value addition and regional trade position. The country’s development plans emphasize manufacturing, productivity, export-oriented growth and the use of Tanzania’s geographic position to strengthen its role as a production, trade, supply and transportation hub across Eastern, Central and Southern Africa.
This strategy could create opportunities not only for companies seeking to sell products in Tanzania, but also for businesses interested in manufacturing, processing, technology transfer, supply-chain development and regional exports.
Tanzania’s Focus on Domestic Manufacturing
Expanding domestic manufacturing is an important part of Tanzania’s long-term economic strategy.
The Tanzania Development Vision 2050 identifies manufacturing as an important driver of economic growth and diversification. It highlights opportunities in areas such as agro-processing, food and beverages, and construction materials, with the broader objective of increasing local value addition, reducing import dependence and improving export performance.
This means that Tanzania’s market opportunities are not limited to selling finished products. Manufacturing facilities, machinery, technology transfer and value-chain development may also become increasingly important.
Strategic Location for Regional Exports
Tanzania’s geographic position provides a major advantage for regional trade.
Located on the Indian Ocean, Tanzania has major ports including Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara. Its transport infrastructure also provides trade routes for several landlocked neighboring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia and Malawi.
Tanzania’s participation in the EAC and SADC regional frameworks further strengthens its regional market position. TISEZA states that investment in Tanzania can provide access to more than 450 million people across Eastern and Southern Africa through preferential trade arrangements.
From Raw Materials to Value-Added Exports
One of Tanzania’s long-term economic challenges is the significant role of primary commodity exports.
The country’s Long-Term Perspective Plan 2026/27–2050/51 highlights the need to strengthen industrialisation, localisation and beneficiation in order to increase Tanzania’s participation in regional and global value chains. The plan also notes the growing role of manufactured and horticultural exports.
As a result, food processing, packaging, manufacturing and mineral beneficiation can play an important role in increasing the value generated within Tanzania.
Special Economic Zones and Industrial Development
Tanzania is also using Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as part of its industrialisation strategy.
In 2025, TISEZA announced five strategic SEZs designed to support industrial growth, employment, exports and technology transfer. These zones are being linked with major infrastructure, including ports, railways and other transport networks.
The Bagamoyo Eco Maritime City is another major project positioned as part of Tanzania’s long-term industrialisation strategy, combining port infrastructure with industrial, technology and special economic zones as well as logistics, energy and digital infrastructure.
Key Investment Opportunities
Tanzania’s manufacturing and export strategy may create opportunities across several sectors, including:
- Industrial machinery and equipment
- Agricultural machinery and irrigation systems
- Food processing
- Packaging and cold-chain solutions
- Chemicals and industrial products
- Construction materials
- Energy and electrical equipment
- Mining and mineral processing
- Logistics and transportation
- Manufacturing technology
- Engineering and technical services
TISEZA identifies manufacturing, agriculture, energy, mining and related industries among areas of investment interest.
Opportunities for Iranian Companies
For Iranian companies, Tanzania can potentially be considered not only as a destination market but also as a platform for regional manufacturing and trade.
Iranian companies active in machinery, industrial equipment, agriculture, irrigation, chemicals, construction materials, food processing, energy and engineering services may explore opportunities involving equipment supply, technology transfer, local production, joint ventures and regional market development.
This approach can be particularly relevant for companies that want to move beyond direct exports and explore Tanzania as part of a broader African supply and distribution network.
Growing Investment Activity
TISEZA data shows that registered investment projects in Tanzania increased from 252 projects in 2021 to 915 projects in 2025, while the value of approved investment capital increased from approximately $3.7 billion to $10.95 billion during the same period. These figures indicate a substantial increase in registered investment activity, although actual economic outcomes ultimately depend on project implementation.
Tanzania also began the formal implementation phase of its Vision 2050 framework in 2026, with current development priorities including economic growth, employment, production, infrastructure, energy, research and development and digital transformation.
Conclusion
Tanzania’s ambition to strengthen its position as a regional manufacturing and export hub is supported by several interconnected factors: industrial development, local value addition, Special Economic Zones, infrastructure investment, improved connectivity, investment attraction and access to regional markets.
For international companies, including Iranian businesses, this direction may create opportunities in equipment exports, technology transfer, manufacturing partnerships, joint ventures, processing and regional African market development.
Before entering the market, however, companies should carefully assess regulations, logistics costs, local requirements, potential partners, target markets and project structures.
Iran–Tanzania Business Opportunity
Looking to enter the Tanzanian market?
The Iran–Tanzania Business Center can support companies with market research, business opportunity identification, Iranian product promotion, buyer and partner identification, and B2B meeting facilitation.
