DAR ES SALAAM — Tanzania has officially launched its National Investment Promotion Campaign for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), marking a major step in the Sixth Phase Government’s industrialization and economic transformation agenda. The launch ceremony, held on August 12, 2025, at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, was officiated by Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, and attended by senior government officials, diplomats, private sector leaders, and institutional representatives.
The event also saw the unveiling of the TISEZA WhatsApp Chatbot, the SEZ e-Handbook, and the announcement of strategic SEZ projects. Prof. Mkumbo emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s vision to position Tanzania as a leading trade and investment hub in Africa, leveraging its strategic geography, abundant resources, and political stability.
He commended the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) for integrating SEZ development with mega infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), major ports, roads, and airports. Globally, SEZs have proven vital for attracting investment, generating employment, boosting exports, and enabling technology transfer.
Highlighting Tanzania’s history in this space, Prof. Mkumbo recalled the establishment of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) in 2006 under the Mini-Tiger Plan 2004–2020, which allocated 34 SEZ sites and over 200 Stand-Alone EPZs. He also identified five new strategic SEZ areas for investment:
- Nala SEZ – 21 km from Dodoma City, covering 607 hectares and 259 plots.
- Kwala SEZ – Pwani Region.
- Buzwagi SEZ – Shinyanga Region.
- Bagamoyo Eco Maritime City – Pwani Region.
- Expansion of Benjamin William Mkapa SEZ – Dar es Salaam.
However, the Minister acknowledged challenges, including tax issues, high rental costs, and the absence of a national strategy, which have slowed SEZ growth. The government aims to address these bottlenecks to unlock the zones’ full potential.
Speaking at the same event, Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Dr. Tausi M. Kida, described the launch as a historic, strategic step that will transform Tanzania’s investment landscape. She underscored the government’s commitment to making Tanzania an industrial hub for Africa, integrating SEZs with large-scale infrastructure to spur economic growth across all regions.
Dr. Tausi praised Minister Mkumbo’s leadership in strengthening policy frameworks, creating an investor-friendly climate, and fostering stronger public-private partnerships — all critical for sustainable economic transformation.
