Tantrade sets five-year market plan to boost business growth

The Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) has set a five-year market plan to address the limited market access that has hindered business growth in the country. The plan focuses on connecting local producers with potential buyers, broadening market opportunities, and facilitating new business deals through trade exhibitions. This initiative aims to support the growth of local businesses and increase their participation in domestic and international markets.

TanTrade Director General, Ephraim Mafuru, has outlined the authority's priorities, which include value addition, product quality, branding, and expanding business opportunities. During his first meeting with staff after completing 90 days in office, Mr Mafuru emphasized the need for practical interventions that respond to the needs of the business community. He stressed that the institution must deliver effective solutions to support local businesses.

The authority plans to modernize its systems for coordinating and managing trade exhibitions within and outside the country. This modernization aims to make trade exhibitions more effective in linking producers to potential buyers and creating opportunities for businesses to access new markets. The effectiveness of these platforms will be measured by their ability to generate commercial connections, secure buyers, and open up sustainable markets for locally produced goods and services.

Mr Mafuru identified value addition and product competitiveness as key areas requiring attention. He noted that traders need support to improve product quality, strengthen their brands, and meet standards required in both domestic and international markets. TanTrade will work to ensure that businesses are adequately prepared and meet the necessary requirements to participate in trade exhibitions and take advantage of market opportunities.

The priorities outlined by TanTrade underscore the need for local enterprises to move beyond production and focus on developing market-ready products that meet consumer expectations and compete effectively on quality, consistency, and value. Mr Mafuru urged TanTrade employees to align their work with the authority's strategic priorities, stressing the importance of accountability, professionalism, and results-driven performance.

The meeting also examined how the authority's five-year priorities translate the objectives of the National Development Vision 2050 into practical interventions. The focus is on promoting value addition, strengthening the competitiveness of Tanzanian products, and increasing business participation in international markets. The real test of the five-year agenda will be its impact on businesses, particularly whether improved trade facilitation, stronger buyer connections, and better market access can translate into increased sales and business growth.

Achieving the institution's objectives will require a collective commitment from staff to improve trade facilitation and expand market opportunities for Tanzanian businesses. The authority's efforts aim to support the growth of local businesses and increase their participation in regional and global trade. The success of the five-year plan will depend on the effective implementation of its priorities and the impact on the business community.

Key points

• TanTrade aims to modernize its systems for coordinating and managing trade exhibitions to link producers to potential buyers and create new market opportunities.