Tanzania Seeks Private Investment in Cold Chain Facilities to Boost Agricultural Exports

The Tanzanian government has called on the private sector to invest in modern cold chain infrastructure to improve the storage and transportation of agricultural produce, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing exports to international markets. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Prof Mpita Msofe and Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade Aristides Mbuasi made the call during a visit to Swissport's horticultural produce handling and storage facility at Kilimanjaro International Airport on November 7, 2026.

The visit was part of activities ahead of the Horticulture Logistics Africa Conference and Exhibition in Arusha, which aims to showcase investment and trade opportunities in Tanzania's horticulture sector. Prof Msofe commended Swissport for investing in a facility with a storage capacity of 180 tonnes of horticultural produce, including fruits and vegetables. He noted that modern cold chain infrastructure was essential to preserving the quality of agricultural produce from the farm to consumers in international markets.

Prof Msofe stressed that an effective cold chain system should cover the entire supply chain, from farms to storage facilities, specialised refrigerated vehicles, and airport handling facilities. He noted that the Swissport facility was not yet operating at full capacity, with utilisation reaching approximately 76 per cent at its peak. This presented an opportunity for farmers and traders to make greater use of the facility and increase export volumes.

Deputy Permanent Secretary Aristides Mbuasi commended Swissport, Taha Fresh, and the Kilimanjaro International Airport Authority for working together to facilitate investment in the facility. He said cold chain infrastructure was central to the ministry's efforts to expand Tanzania's exports, particularly value-added products processed and manufactured locally. Mbuasi identified maintaining product quality throughout transportation and reducing post-harvest losses as the two principal benefits of investing in cold chain facilities.

Mbuasi disclosed that Minister for Industry and Trade Judith Kapinga had directed the Tanzania Trade Development Authority to work with the Tanzania Horticultural Association and other government institutions to identify and promote cold chain investment opportunities across the country. The initiative aims to establish an integrated storage and transportation network connecting farms with collection and processing centres, transport systems, and airports for exports to international markets.

The government is also engaging with various countries to encourage the introduction of dedicated cargo flights at Kilimanjaro International Airport, which would increase the airport's capacity to handle and transport Tanzanian products to overseas markets. Tanzania's export composition is gradually shifting towards value-added products, with improved infrastructure playing an important role in preserving quality and supporting access to international markets.

The Ministry of Agriculture is implementing Agriculture Agenda 10/30, which seeks to raise agriculture's contribution to the national economy to 10 per cent by 2030. The Agriculture Master Plan 2050 targets increasing the value of Tanzania's agricultural exports to $100 billion. The government is also strengthening farmers' access to agricultural inputs, improved seeds, fertilisers, and extension services through the National Agricultural Extension Services Agency.

Key points

• The Tanzanian government is seeking private investment to develop modern cold chain infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and increase agricultural exports.
• The government aims to establish an integrated storage and transportation network connecting farms with collection and processing centres, transport systems, and airports for exports to international markets.
• Tanzania's agricultural sector is expected to grow significantly, with plans to increase the value of agricultural exports to $100 billion by 2050.