Tanzania is seeking to elevate its trade relationship with Italy to deeper investment partnerships. The government is encouraging Italian companies to set up production and processing operations in the country, using it as a base to access African and global markets. This push was made by Deputy Minister in the President's Office–Planning and Investment Dr. Pius Stephen Chaya during the Tanzania–Europe Investment and Business Forum Roadshow in Cesena, Italy.
Trade between Tanzania and Italy reached approximately €235 million in 2024. Dr. Chaya noted that the existing relationship provides a foundation for expanding cooperation in investment, technology, and value addition. He emphasized that Tanzania wants to move beyond conventional trade with Italy towards investment, technology, knowledge, innovation, and digital transformation.
Dr. Chaya urged Italian companies not just to sell in Tanzania but to produce, process, innovate, and sell products from Tanzania to Africa and global markets. He highlighted that the government is seeking investments that generate tangible economic benefits through production, value addition, exports, job creation, technology transfer, and skills development.
Key areas where Tanzania is seeking Italian investment include agriculture and agro-processing, renewable energy, and digital technology. In agriculture, the government targets investments across the value chain, including production, storage, processing, packaging, cold-chain infrastructure, transport, and marketing. Dr. Chaya also mentioned Tanzania's access to markets under the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and African Continental Free Trade Area.
These market access opportunities could enable Italian companies to produce in Tanzania and reach wider regional markets. Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority director general Gilead Teri presented investment opportunities and priorities during the forum. He highlighted the authority's role in connecting investors with opportunities and facilitating them through the investment process.
Teri said the authority promotes Tanzania as a destination for investment, production, and value addition. He encouraged Italian and other European companies to establish or expand projects in the country. The authority works with relevant government institutions to support investors at different stages of the investment cycle and connect them with available opportunities.
Beyond agriculture, Tanzania presented opportunities in clean and renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and other sectors. Italian companies were invited to explore opportunities in solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, as well as energy storage, electricity distribution, and smart-grid technologies. The roadshow aims to connect investors, companies, and financial institutions with Tanzanian projects and businesses seeking capital, technology, markets, and strategic partners.
Key points
- Tanzania seeks investments that generate tangible economic benefits through production, value addition, exports, job creation, technology transfer, and skills development.
- Key areas for Italian investment include agriculture and agro-processing, renewable energy, and digital technology.
- Tanzania offers access to wider regional markets through the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and African Continental Free Trade Area.
