The Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) has been named Africa's Best Investment Promotion Agency for 2026, marking its third consecutive year of receiving the award. The recognition was presented at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Global Foundation Awards in Dubai. TISEZA was acknowledged for its role in promoting and facilitating investment on the continent. This achievement highlights the authority's efforts in creating a conducive environment for investors.
According to TISEZA data, Tanzania's registered investment projects have more than tripled over the past five years, rising from 252 projects in 2021 to 915 in 2025. The value of approved investment capital almost tripled, increasing from $3.7 billion in 2021 to $10.95 billion in 2025. This significant growth demonstrates the country's progress in attracting both domestic and foreign investment. The reforms implemented by the government and TISEZA have contributed to this growth.
TISEZA Board Member Felista Lelo received the award and described it as a great honor for Tanzania and the institution. She stated that the recognition reflects the confidence the international community has in the country's investment environment. Lelo attributed the achievement to the efforts of the government and TISEZA in creating a more enabling environment for investors. The reforms have helped simplify services provided to investors and improved laws and policies.
Lelo mentioned that TISEZA has recorded significant changes since its establishment and reforms. The authority has intensified efforts to promote Tanzania's investment opportunities internationally while improving laws and policies to align them with global developments and the implementation of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050. The award will motivate the board to further improve the institution's performance.
TISEZA Director General Gilead Teri noted that the recognition marks the third consecutive year the authority has received global awards in different categories. In 2025, TISEZA won top honors for its use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through its One-Stop Facilitation Center. Teri attributed the achievement to ongoing business and regulatory reforms spearheaded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan since 2021.
Teri stated that Tanzania has a more investor-friendly and conducive business climate than any other country in Africa. He added that President Samia's leadership prioritizes value creation, decent livelihoods for citizens, domestic manufacturing, and expanding Tanzania's trade footprint across the East African Community (EAC) and the entire African continent. The government's structural reforms have contributed to the country's progress.
The merger of the former Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) to form TISEZA under Act No. 6 of 2025 has allowed investors to access all essential services from registration to land acquisition under a single roof. This structural overhaul has streamlined the investment process and improved the business environment. TISEZA will continue strengthening cooperation with other countries to create opportunities and help Tanzania benefit from global investment opportunities.
Key points
- TISEZA has been named Africa's Best Investment Promotion Agency for 2026, marking its third consecutive year of receiving the award.
- Tanzania's registered investment projects have more than tripled over the past five years, rising from 252 projects in 2021 to 915 in 2025.
- The authority's efforts in creating a conducive environment for investors have contributed to the country's progress in attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
