Two Tanzanian startups have secured invitations to participate in a trade fair in Mozambique following their participation in the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, marking a step toward regional export opportunities. The Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) said the move aims to expand export opportunities, build business partnerships and improve the competitiveness of locally developed products. The two startups selected for the Maputo trade fair were SWAENERGY and Cut Off Recycle Limited.
During the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair in 2026, known as Sabasaba, the Ministry provided 21 startups from 10 sectors with dedicated exhibition space and specialised business advisory services through TanTrade's Business Clinic. The participating businesses operated across a diverse range of sectors including information and communication technology, e-commerce, soap and footwear manufacturing, online waste collection, tailoring, honey and sunflower processing, wine production, recycled-plastic bricks and technical equipment. The platform gave entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their products, meet potential business partners and receive guidance on improving their operations and accessing new markets.
TanTrade Director General Ephraim Mafuru said during Startups Week on Monday that the invitations to Mozambique represented an opportunity for Tanzanian startups to showcase their products internationally, build business partnerships and explore new markets beyond Tanzania's borders. He added that TanTrade would sustain momentum by facilitating startups' participation in local and international exhibitions, conferences and trade missions. The authority plans to strengthen Business Clinics to help startups improve product quality, packaging and standards compliance, understand market requirements and connect with potential buyers and business support institutions.
The strategy also includes intellectual property protection, with TanTrade helping startups register their innovations with the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) to safeguard their ideas while strengthening their competitiveness and commercial potential. Business clinics are planned for Dar es Salaam, Mbinga, Mbeya and Mwanza, with a session in Dar es Salaam scheduled for early next month. TanTrade will monitor the progress of supported startups and promote the use of the "Made in Tanzania" mark to enhance product recognition and improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods.
For savers and business owners in Tanzania, the initiative signals improved prospects for locally made products to generate returns through regional market expansion, though translating exhibition exposure and new business connections into sustained sales, strategic partnerships and growth remains a key challenge ahead.