The Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) has said trade agreements valued at 158.1bn/- could boost export earnings and expand market access for local producers, provided the commitments lead to actual orders and sustained sales. TanTrade reported that 24 memoranda of understanding were signed through trade platforms coordinated by the authority during the 2023/24 to 2025/26 financial years.
TanTrade Director General Ambassador Ephraim Mafuru emphasised the distinction between agreements and confirmed purchases matters for producers and policymakers. He noted that during the 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, China's Shandong Oasis Food expressed interest in purchasing 40,000 tonnes of cassava and sweet potatoes valued at approximately 6bn/-. However, an expression of interest is not equivalent to a confirmed purchase.
TanTrade has conducted 40 training programmes that reached 7,593 traders across 16 regions on Mainland Tanzania, as well as Unguja and Pemba, covering topics including opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area and access to China's market. The Made in Tanzania brand, launched in July 2025, had registered 74 products from 40 companies by June 2026, while the Tanzania Trade Portal recorded more than 1.88 million visits and approximately 624,464 users.
For exporters, Mafuru said 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. Progress will ultimately be measured by the conversion of agreements into verified export contracts, repeat orders and higher earnings.