A Kenyan company, Tile & Carpet Living in Style, has opened a showroom in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to sell tiles, sanitaryware, taps, kitchen fittings, and other home-finishing products sourced locally and internationally. The company's entry into the Tanzanian market is driven by the growing demand for construction materials, fueled by investment in residential, commercial, and hospitality properties. This demand is creating opportunities for suppliers and domestic manufacturers seeking access to a growing market.
According to Tanzania Building Agency (TBA) Architectural Section manager, Mr. Godfrey Mwakabole, the rising demand for accommodation, including hotels, guest houses, and short-term rentals such as Airbnb, is creating investment opportunities in the construction industry. The relocation of government operations to Dodoma and preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) have also contributed to investment interest in accommodation facilities and related infrastructure.
Mr. Mwakabole noted that more people are investing in property development, converting residential houses into Airbnb accommodation, and building hotels to capitalize on opportunities arising from tourism and international conferences. As a result, the growing demand for construction materials is exceeding local production capacity, creating room for additional suppliers while offering local manufacturers opportunities to expand their market reach.
Tile & Carpet Living in Style director, Mr. Chirag Sanghrajka, said the company intends to work with Tanzanian manufacturers by giving them an opportunity to sell their products through its showroom. This arrangement could give local producers access to customers through an established retail outlet, while expanding the range of products available to buyers.
Mr. Sanghrajka stated that the company already works with manufacturers in other markets, including businesses producing goods under its brand, and is interested in exploring similar partnerships in Tanzania. However, the company first wants to understand the local market and customer requirements before considering further investment in production.
With over 100 years of operation, Tile & Carpet Living in Style has a presence in Kenya, Rwanda, Dubai, and Zanzibar. The company's entry into the Tanzanian market is expected to complement the efforts of existing suppliers and manufacturers in meeting market demand. Mr. Mwakabole expressed satisfaction with the company's decision to invest in Tanzania, given the growing demand for housing, residential properties, and commercial buildings.
However, Mr. Sanghrajka raised concerns about the quality of building materials in African markets, arguing that consumers could be exposed to substandard products when purchasing goods based mainly on price. The company aims to learn the Tanzanian market and its requirements before considering further investment in production, including potential manufacturing operations in the country.
Key points
- - The growing demand for construction materials in Tanzania is driven by investment in housing, commercial properties, and hospitality facilities. - A Kenyan company, Tile & Carpet Living in Style, has entered the Tanzanian market to tap into the growing demand for construction materials. - The company's entry is expected to complement the efforts of existing suppliers and manufacturers in meeting market demand.
