DAR ES SALAAM, Sept 6 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — TRADE between Tanzania and Türkiye reached 284 million US dollars last year, with Turkish exports accounting for 217 million US dollars reflecting a trade imbalance but also signalling deepening economic engagement between the two countries.
The figures were disclosed in Dar es Salaam during the Türkiye–Tanzania Steel Trade Delegation, a high-level business forum organised by the Turkish Steel Exporters’ Association in partnership with the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), reflecting strategic efforts to deepen trade and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
TCCIA Vice-President Boniface Ndengo said the platform offers a strategic opportunity for both countries to transform their shared vision for industrial growth into concrete partnerships, particularly in the steel sector.
He noted that steel is central to industrialisation, underpinning critical sectors such as construction, energy, transport and manufacturing and emphasised that ongoing infrastructure projects are driving increased demand for high-quality steel products.
“The platform offers a strategic opportunity to turn our shared vision for industrial growth into practical partnerships, especially in the steel sector,” said Ndengo.
He cited flagship projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), hydropower plants, port modernisation and urban housing developments as major drivers of rising steel demand in Tanzania.
He emphasised that the meeting went beyond networking, describing it as a strategic bridge linking Tanzania’s development ambitions with Turkish industrial expertise.
He highlighted Tanzania’s macroeconomic stability as a key factor in attracting foreign direct investment.
The economy grew by 5.5 per cent last year, with projections indicating a rise to 6.0 per cent this year. Inflation remains low and stable at around 3.1 per cent, while foreign exchange reserves are sufficient to cover over five months of imports.
“These strong fundamentals reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. Recent policy reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, investment protection and industrial development have created a conducive environment for long-term business partnerships,” Ndengo said.
Reinforcing the potential of the steel sector, Turkish Steel Exporters’ Association Deputy Chairman Ugur Dalbeler noted that Türkiye exported 40,000 tonnes of steel to Tanzania in 2024.
In the first seven months of 2025 alone, 19,400 tonnes have already been shipped, reflecting continued growth in the sector.
Dalbeler said the visiting delegation of 36 representatives from 16 Turkish companies is committed to forging long-term trade and investment partnerships in Tanzania.
He noted that the country’s total imports reached 16.6 billion US dollars last year with steel accounting for a significant share, signalling untapped potential in the market.
“Through this B2B session, we aim to explore dealership opportunities, distributorships and even joint production ventures,” he said, emphasising the importance of strengthening local value chains through investment and technology transfer to support Tanzania’s industrialisation and job creation.
Turkish Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Bekir Gezer, reaffirmed Türkiye’s readiness to support Tanzania’s development efforts.
The B2B matchmaking session between Tanzanian businesses and Turkish suppliers is expected to lead to new trade agreements, investment projects and knowledgesharing initiatives aimed at accelerating Tanzania’s industrial transformation.
With the steel sector as a foundation, both countries expressed optimism about expanding cooperation into other areas of mutual interest. — NNN-DAILYNEWS