DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) has said trade agreements worth 158.1bn/- offer an opportunity to boost export earnings, expand market access and strengthen the competitiveness of local producers, provided the commitments translate into actual orders and sustained sales.
TanTrade reported that 24 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed through trade platforms coordinated by the authority during the 2023/24 to 2025/26 financial years.
The agreements signal growing business interest and provide a basis for turning market connections into actual export orders, increased production and sustained economic growth.
Tantrade Director General, Ambassador Ephraim Mafuru, said the distinction matters for producers and exporters seeking predictable demand, as well as for policymakers assessing the contribution of trade promotion to economic growth.
One example of the opportunities emerging from these platforms came during the 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), when China’s Shandong Oasis Food expressed interest in purchasing 40,000 tonnes of cassava and sweet potatoes valued at approximately 6bn/- .
The proposed deal points to potential demand for Tanzanian agricultural produce in overseas markets.
However, an expression of interest is not equivalent to a confirmed purchase, and the available information does not indicate whether the order was finalised or delivered.
“For businesses, securing an overseas buyer is only one stage of the export process. Suppliers must also demonstrate their ability to deliver consistent volumes, meet quality requirements, maintain competitive prices and manage transport and other costs associated with international trade,” Mr Mafuru said recently.
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TanTrade’s other interventions have focused on improving businesses’ readiness to compete.
He further said the authority conducted 40 training programmes that reached 7,593 traders across 16 regions on Mainland Tanzania, as well as Unguja and Pemba.
Topics included opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), access to China’s market, product value addition and business competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Mr Mafuru noted that the Made in Tanzania brand, launched in July 2025, had registered 74 products from 40 companies by June 2026.
The initiative seeks to strengthen product identification, although its commercial success will ultimately depend on buyer demand and sales performance.
The Tanzania Trade Portal also recorded more than 1.88 million visits and approximately 624,464 users, providing information on market prices, permits, licences and trading procedures.
Mr Mafuru said for the year 2026/27, TanTrade has prioritised market integration, export support, business competitiveness and improved trade intelligence.
The next measure of progress will be the conversion of these interventions into verified export contracts, repeat orders and higher earnings.
Data on completed MoUs, realised sales and export growth would help establish how far the reported opportunities are translating into tangible economic returns.