Tanzania: Value Addition Set to Boost Export Earnings

What the report says

TanTrade says Tanzania can raise export earnings and create more jobs by moving beyond shipments of raw crops toward processed and value-added goods. The comments, reported by Daily News in Dar es Salaam and published by AllAfrica, were made by TanTrade Director General Ephraim Mafuru, who cited products such as avocados, rice and maize as examples where more processing could keep added value and related employment in Tanzania.

Mafuru said the strategy is not limited to one crop and could apply to a wider range of farm products sold in domestic and overseas markets. He also encouraged consumers to buy locally made goods, arguing that stronger domestic demand would help Tanzanian industries expand production and employment.

The article says TanTrade is also working to strengthen trade links with markets including South Africa, Kenya, China, the United States, India and countries in the Middle East. Mafuru pointed to South Africa as a key destination for Tanzanian products such as gold, ceramics and flat glass, while noting opportunities for fruits and vegetables in India and food products in the Middle East.

He said future export growth will depend on better product quality, standards, storage and transport, especially cold-chain facilities that can support perishable goods. More broadly, the report highlights a familiar development challenge for agricultural exporters: capturing more of the supply chain at home rather than sending out unprocessed commodities.