DAR ES SALAAM, July 17 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — TANZANIA has set its sights on raising trade volume with India to over 10 billion US dollars (about 26tri/-) in the 2025/2026 financial year, while also attracting more investment from the Asian giant, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
The ambitious target was announced by the Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Exaud Kigahe, during a side-line interview at the Tanzania–India Business Forum held on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam.
“In the 2024/2025 fiscal year, trade between the two countries reached 7 billion US dollars (about 18tri/-),” Kigahe said. “Tanzania primarily exports raw agricultural products such as cashew nuts and minerals like gold, while India supplies manufactured goods including medicines, medical equipment, ICT solutions, machinery and vehicles.”
To enhance trade value, the deputy minister said the government will continue to promote value addition by encouraging the establishment of joint manufacturing ventures between Tanzanian and Indian investors.
These initiatives, he said, will transform the country’s economy and end the longstanding export of raw commodities.
“We want to prioritise value addition and end the trend of exporting raw agricultural goods. This forum provides a crucial platform to formulate strategies for strengthening value chains and boosting trade volume,” he added.
Kigahe also said the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) has the significant role to play in attracting foreign capital, creating jobs and introducing modern technologies from India to Tanzania.
Since the establishment of the Tanzania Investment Centre (now part of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority – TISEZA) in 1997, India has invested in 713 projects worth 4.2 billion US dollars (about 11tri/-), generating over 6,000 jobs. India remains one of Tanzania’s top five foreign investors, with interests spanning manufacturing, healthcare, transportation and commercial real estate.
Kigahe noted that the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan is committed to creating a business-friendly environment. Through TISEZA, the government offers incentives such as zero import duty on capital goods to attract further investment and accelerate industrialisation.
“This forum allows us to build strategic partnerships and unlock impactful joint investments for mutual benefit,” he said.
On the importance of healthcare partnerships, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to India, Anisa Mbega said that 85 per cent of the pharmaceuticals used in Tanzania are imported, 60 per cent of which come from India. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
