Business Opportunities in Tanzania | Africa For Investors

Tanzania is one of East Africa’s most promising investment frontiers—offering political stability, a strategic location on the Indian Ocean, and a wealth of natural resources waiting to be tapped. With a GDP of over $80.17 billion (2024 est.) and a projected annual growth rate of 5.5%+, Tanzania is well on its way to becoming a middle-income economy.

The country is richly endowed with minerals (including gold, graphite, and tanzanite), natural gas reserves exceeding 57 trillion cubic feet, and 13,502,500 hectares of arable land. It’s also one of the world’s largest producers of gold (10 million ounces and exports $5.05 billion of gold annually), ranking 4th in Africa.

WHY invest in Tanzania

Abundant Natural Resources

Minerals & Mining: Home to gold, diamonds, coal, graphite, and rare earth elements. Tanzania is among Africa’s top gold producers and has untapped mining potential in nickel and lithium.
Agriculture & Land: Over 44 million hectares of arable land, with only a fraction currently cultivated. Huge scope in agribusiness, irrigation tech, and agro-processing.
Energy: Rich in hydro, natural gas (57.25 trillion cubic feet), and renewable sources including solar and wind. Strong demand for energy infrastructure and power generation projects.

Growing Markets & Rising Demand

Population Growth: With over 65 million people and a fast-growing middle class, domestic demand for housing, consumer goods, tech, and services is booming.
Urbanization: Rapid urban growth is creating new opportunities in real estate, retail, transport, and public infrastructure.
Youthful Workforce: A young and trainable labor force—ideal for manufacturing, BPO, and industrial development.

Economic Stability & Reforms

Consistent GDP Growth: Averaging 6%+ annually pre-COVID, and rebounding strongly post-pandemic with pro-investment policies.
Pro-Business Government: Tanzania is actively improving its regulatory framework, digitalizing processes, and streamlining investment approvals.
Currency Stability: The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) remains stable, and inflation is well-managed by the Bank of Tanzania.

Strategic Location & Trade Routes

Gateway to East & Southern Africa: Tanzania is a logistics hub connecting 6 landlocked countries—Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, and DRC.
Ports & Corridors: Dar es Salaam and Tanga Ports are major entry points, supported by the Central Corridor, TAZARA Railway, and Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Trade Agreements: Member of EAC, SADC, and AfCFTA—offering preferential access to a market of over 1.3 billion consumers across Africa.

Top Exports of Tanzania

Gold – Tanzania’s leading export, generating over $2.5 billion annually; ranks 4th in Africa for gold production.
Cashew Nuts – Major export crop with high demand in Asia; earns $300+ million per year.
Coffee & Tea – Specialty-grade varieties exported to Europe, the US, and Japan; strong potential for premium branding.
Cotton – Significant raw material exports; investment opportunity in processing and finished goods for export.

Top Imports of Tanzania

Machinery & Transport Equipment – Includes industrial machinery, construction equipment, and vehicles; vital for infrastructure and manufacturing growth.
Petroleum Products – Crude and refined oil remain top import categories due to growing domestic energy needs.
Electrical Equipment & Electronics – Rising demand for telecom gear, consumer electronics, and power systems.
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Supplies – High-volume imports to meet public health demand; local production still limited.

Connectivity

3 international airports

90,000+ km of roads, ongoing infra developments

High-volume ports such as Dar es Salaam Port

Our clients

ZIC-JG Group - Five Element Industry Limited

Visions & testimonials

Denis Sassou N’Guesso
President of Republic of Congo

The 2021-2026 Social project of the Republic of Congo is focused on the industrialization of the country. The implementation of this ambitious plan – to structurally transform our economy – is based on the development of four existing special economic zones (SEZs), including: Pointe-Noire, Brazzavi...

Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso
Minister for International Cooperation & PPPs

At the dawn of the opening of the continental free trade zone, our country located in the heart of Africa must be a strategic hub for production, processing and distribution. It is in this perspective that the government of the Republic of Congo has decided to trust the ARISE group to ensure the dev...

Jean-Marc Thystere Tchicaya
Minister of SEZs & Economic Diversification

We welcome the partnership with the Arise IIP Group which, through the Industrial Platforms of Congo Pointe-Noire (PICP), is working hard to, in particular, make the Special Economic Zone of Pointe-Noire operational which, on relying on sectors with high growth potential, will become the driving for...

Julien Paluku
Minister of Industry of the DRC

Julien Paluku, Minister of Industry of the Democratic Republic of Congo, stated that the vision of a “New Congo,” as envisioned by H.E. Félix-Antoine TSHISEKEDI, is achievable through the establishment of competitive ecosystems and robust economic platforms. The creation of Special Economic Zones (...

Patrice Talon
President of the Republic of Benin

We have adopted a law to promote Special Economic Zones and the first Industrial Zone in Glo-Djigbé is fully operational and already welcoming investors. Benin's ambition is to become an industrial hub for the transformation of agricultural products such as cashew, cotton, shea butter, pineapple, s...

Gaston Dossouhoui
Minister-Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries

Benin is entering an important phase in its history, that of going far with serious project leaders who will process raw materials and create jobs for young Beninese. These factories remain a safe destination for our raw materials and a prerequisite for increasing our agricultural production.

Michael Derus
Ambassador of Germany to Benin

It’s truIy impressive ! I was very pleased to return to GDIZ. My last visit was less than a year ago and I’m very impressed by the swift development I have seen, particularly in the Garment Training Center (GTC). The Zone has a great potential for international development.

Dr Akinwumi Adesina
President of African Development Bank (AFDB)

I am impressed by the scope of Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). It will contribute to the industrialization of Benin by promoting the local transformation of Benin’s natural resources (cotton, cashew nuts, pineapples and others) and the creation of jobs for Benin’s youth. Congratulations to the Pr...

Arnaud Floris
Coordinator Africa- BPI France

Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) reflects Benin's boldness and innovation: an inspiration for African countries with its immense potential for industrial development. We are committed to support, co-finance and co-invest in agribusiness projects, as a demonstration of our faith in Benin's vision an...d promising future!

Joseph Owondault Berre
Vice-President of the Gabonese

Everything is in place within the Nkok SIZ to foster high-quality projects and achievements. This Zone is a tool for promoting Gabon's expertise. It was a truly memorable visit.

Evariste Ndayisimiye
President of the Republic of Burundi

GSEZ is an example in the transformation of natural resources.

Raymond Ndong Sima
Prime Minister, Head of Government- Gabonese

Together, let's build our future by increasing our production capacity and exploring innovative avenues to maintain our position of choice on the international market.

Why Invest in Tanzania?

Is Tanzania open to foreign investment?

Yes. Tanzania encourages foreign direct investment (FDI) with incentives through special economic zones operated by ARISE Integrated Industrial Parks (IIP). ARISE Industrial Parks is a leading Special Economic Zone (SEZ) developer in Tanzania offering world-class infrastructure, tax incentives, and streamlined business processes to attract global investors.

What are the top sectors for investment in Tanzania?

Key sectors include mining, agriculture, energy and manufacturing with SEZs focusing on industrial manufacturing and export-oriented businesses.

Are there tax incentives for investors?

Yes. SEZs operated by ARISE IIP offer tax holidays, import duty exemptions and simplified customs procedures for investors. For full details, please send us a business query.

What infrastructure and logistics advantages does Tanzania offer?

Tanzania is a regional logistics hub with access to major seaports such as Dar es Salaam and Tanga, which handle the majority of cargo for East and Central Africa. The country’s transport corridors, including the Central Corridor and the TAZARA Railway, provide efficient connectivity to landlocked neighbors like Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. Recent investments in infrastructure like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) further enhance Tanzania’s capacity to move goods and people efficiently, reducing costs for businesses.