Dar es Salaam. In the heart of Dar es Salaam, the bustling economic capital of Tanzania, a promising new chapter is being written in the story of international trade and investment.
A high-level business delegation from Belgium, consisting of investors from 40 companies and accompanied by business authorities, has arrived with one clear goal: to explore the vast opportunities for collaboration and growth in Tanzania.
The mission, which was welcomed by the Tanzania’s Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr. Selemani Jafo, signals an exciting new era in Tanzania-Belgium relations.
Bridging the Gap in Trade and Investment
With trade between the two nations already reaching €186 million worth of Tanzanian exports to Belgium, compared to €115 million in imports from Belgium—both sides are eager to push these numbers even higher.
However, this mission is not just about increasing trade; it is about building deeper, more sustainable partnerships that will propel both economies forward.
Dr. Jafo, speaking at the launch of the event, emphasized Tanzania’s untapped potential in various sectors.
“We have a wide range of opportunities here—agriculture, mining, tourism, fishing, and agro-processing,” he said.
“This visit is not only a platform to increase trade, but to create long-term investments that will create jobs, enhance skills, and accelerate the industrialization of our economy.”
Tanzania is renowned for its agricultural products, with coffee, tea, and fish being among the key exports to Belgium.
But the government is eager to move beyond agriculture and unlock the vast potential in other sectors, particularly mining, energy, logistics, and manufacturing.
A Growing Investment Landscape
Belgium has already committed substantial investments to Tanzania, with Belgian companies currently investing around $430 million in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and energy.
Yet, both governments agree that more can be done.
Mr. Jestas Nyamanga, the Tanzanian Ambassador to Belgium, noted that Belgian investors are increasingly looking to diversify their portfolios and explore new opportunities in Tanzania’s fast-developing industrial and infrastructure sectors.
“Belgium is a key partner in Tanzania’s development, and we are eager to explore ways to grow this relationship,” underscored Mr. Nyamanga.
Creating Jobs and Expanding Opportunities
At the core of Tanzania’s industrialization agenda is the creation of jobs.
According to Daud Riganda, Acting Director of Investment Promotion at the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), more than 2,000 jobs have been created through Belgian investments, with 48 registered projects between 1997 and October of this year.
However, Mr Riganda stressed that this is only the beginning, and more must be done to match Tanzania’s ambitious economic goals.
“We are looking to expand the range of investments coming into Tanzania,” Riganda said. “While we’ve made progress, we need more investments in new sectors—manufacturing, logistics, and clean energy—that can support our vision of an industrialized economy,” he underscored.
He added: “This business mission is a critical opportunity to attract the right partners.”
A Strategic Partnership for the Future
Belgium’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Peter Huyghebaert, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the mission as part of Belgium’s broader strategy to deepen business ties with Tanzania.
“This mission reflects a growing interest among Belgian businesses in Tanzania,” said Ambassador Huyghebaert.
“We are optimistic that by working together, we can unlock even more potential in sectors like mining, logistics, and manufacturing, and take our trade figures well beyond the current €300 million.”
Mr Huyghebaert also expressed his confidence that Belgium could play a key role in Tanzania’s transformation into a regional industrial powerhouse.
“Tanzania has the resources, the vision, and the drive to become a leader in Africa’s industrialization,” he added. “Belgium is here to partner with Tanzania on this exciting journey.”
Looking Ahead: New Horizons for Trade and Investment
Earlier today, the delegation engaged in Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, where over 380 Tanzanian entrepreneurs are discussing various partnership opportunities and contracts with their Belgian counterparts.
This face-to-face interaction between businesses from both nations is seen as a critical step toward fostering stronger trade relations and creating joint ventures that will benefit both countries in the long term.
Delegates will also tour key sites, including the Port of Dar es Salaam, where major improvements are underway, to explore how the logistics sector can better support trade and investment flows.
The government is optimistic that this mission will lead to increased trade and investment, particularly in areas that align with Tanzania’s long-term economic development strategy.
The Tanzanian government has identified the need to focus on infrastructure, industrialization, and innovation as the keys to sustaining economic growth and job creation.
As this new chapter unfolds, both Tanzania and Belgium look forward to working together to unlock the immense potential of their partnership.
With a shared vision for mutual prosperity, this mission stands as a testament to the growing economic ties between the two nations—a partnership that could set the stage for a future of shared success and sustainable development.
