The Tanzania Trade Development Authority, known as TanTrade, has announced a five-year strategic plan designed to overcome the limited market access that has constrained business growth in the country. According to Daily News, the authority intends to broaden market opportunities and facilitate new commercial deals by connecting local producers with potential buyers through enhanced trade exhibitions. This strategic shift places particular emphasis on value addition, product quality, and branding to improve the competitiveness of Tanzanian goods in both domestic and international markets.
TanTrade Director General Ephraim Mafuru presented these priorities during his first staff meeting after completing 90 days in office. Mafuru stressed the need for the institution to deliver practical interventions that directly respond to the needs of the business community. He stated that the authority plans to modernize systems for coordinating and managing trade exhibitions, aiming to make them more effective in linking producers to buyers. According to Daily News, the effectiveness of these platforms will be measured by their ability to generate commercial connections and secure buyers, rather than simply by the number of events organized.
Mafuru identified value addition and product competitiveness as critical areas requiring immediate attention. He noted that traders require support to improve product quality, strengthen their brands, and meet the standards required in international markets. The Director General explained that TanTrade will work to ensure businesses are adequately prepared to participate in trade exhibitions and capitalize on available market opportunities. He urged local enterprises to move beyond basic production and focus on developing market-ready products that compete effectively on quality, consistency, and value.
The five-year agenda also aligns with the National Development Vision 2050, translating its objectives into practical interventions for promoting value addition and increasing business participation in global trade. Mafuru urged TanTrade employees to align their work with these strategic priorities, emphasizing accountability and results-driven performance. Daily News reported that achieving these objectives requires a collective commitment from staff to improve trade facilitation. The ultimate test of the plan will be its impact on businesses, specifically whether improved trade facilitation and stronger buyer connections translate into increased sales and wider participation of Tanzanian enterprises in regional and global trade.