The Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza) has been recognized as Africa's Best Investment Promotion Agency for 2026, marking its third consecutive year of receiving international recognition at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Global Foundation Awards. The award was presented in Dubai, highlighting Tiseza's role in promoting and facilitating investment on the continent. This achievement reflects the confidence of the international community in Tanzania's investment environment.
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 has almost tripled, increasing from $3.7 billion in 2021 to $10.95 billion in 2025. This significant growth demonstrates the country's efforts to create a more enabling environment for investors.
Tiseza board member Felista Lelo received the award and described it as a great honor for Tanzania and the institution. She attributed the recognition to the government's efforts to create a more enabling environment for investors, noting that reforms have helped attract both domestic and foreign investment. Lelo emphasized that the award reflects the confidence the world has in Tanzania.
The recognition demonstrates the results of efforts by the government and Tiseza to improve and simplify services provided to investors. Tanzania has intensified efforts to promote its investment opportunities internationally, while improving laws and policies to align them with global developments and the implementation of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
Tiseza's Director General, Gilead Teri, noted that the authority has received global awards in different categories for three consecutive years. He attributed the achievement to ongoing business and regulatory reforms spearheaded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan since 2021. Teri stated that Tanzania is the most investor-friendly country in Africa, with a conducive business climate.
The government's July 1, 2025 decision to merge the former Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) to form Tiseza under Act No. 6 of 2025 has had a significant impact on investors. The structural overhaul allows investors to access all essential services from registration to land acquisition under a single roof.
Tiseza will continue strengthening cooperation with other countries to create opportunities and help Tanzania benefit from investment opportunities available globally. The award will motivate the board to further improve the institution's performance, and Teri emphasized that the nation is counting on them to continue improving.
Key points
- Tiseza has been named Africa's Best Investment Promotion Agency for 2026.
- Tanzania's registered investment projects have more than tripled over the past five years.
- The recognition reflects the confidence of the international community in Tanzania's investment environment.
