The Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) has reported 243 investment projects worth $1.88 billion registered between April and June 2026. This brings the total number of projects registered under the General Investment Scheme (GIS) to 934, valued at $8.8 billion, with the potential to create over 253,512 jobs. The majority of these projects, 139 out of 243, were in the manufacturing sector, with $764.07 million in capital and 17,875 projected jobs.
China's influence in Tanzania's investment landscape is significant, with Chinese investors contributing $3.14 billion out of $3.37 billion in capital under the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) schemes. Seven projects were registered under these schemes, with a total capital investment of $3.37 billion, up from $135.66 million in the same quarter of 2025. This represents a substantial increase in investment in these zones.
The Director General of TISEZA, Gilead Teri, highlighted that 250 new projects were registered across both EPZ and SEZ schemes during the quarter, bringing the cumulative total to 934 projects. These projects have the potential to create over 253,512 jobs. TISEZA also undertook 13 outbound missions and hosted four inbound missions from various countries, including Kenya, Russia, Singapore, and Slovakia.
The Dar es Salaam Region attracted the highest number of projects, with 77 projects generating $946.41 million in capital and 11,243 projected jobs. The Pwani Region followed with 54 projects, worth $264.18 million in capital and 10,694 jobs. Together, these two coastal regions accounted for 131 of the 243 projects registered in the quarter.
Foreign-owned projects totaled 124 in Q2 2026, while joint venture projects fell to 46 from 50 in the same quarter of the previous financial year. Locally owned projects were the only ownership category to grow year-on-year, rising to 73 in Q2 2026 from 70 in the same quarter of the previous financial year.
The breakdown of approved capital by source reveals that manufacturing capital of $764.07 million was mainly financed by foreign investors ($479.70 million) and joint ventures ($190.18 million). Foreign investors also contributed $327.36 million to the tourism sector, reflecting continued international confidence in the sector.
The Ruvuma Region led EPZ and SEZ activity with a single project carrying $2,600 million in capital, 18,050 projected jobs, and $265.5 million in projected export turnover. The Lindi Region and Iringa Region also recorded significant projects under these schemes.
Key points
- Manufacturing dominated the quarter with 139 projects, $764.07 million in capital, and 17,875 projected jobs.
- Chinese investors contributed $3.14 billion out of $3.37 billion in capital under the EPZ and SEZ schemes.
- The Dar es Salaam Region attracted the highest number of projects, with 77 projects generating $946.41 million in capital and 11,243 projected jobs.
