Industrial and Trade Sectors Continue to Drive Employment and Economic Growth





Dar es Salaam


The Minister for Industry and Trade, Hon. Judith Kapinga, has said that ongoing investments in the industrial and trade sectors are expected to generate thousands of new jobs, particularly for young people, while fostering inclusive growth and advancing Tanzania toward an upper-middle-income economy.


Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Minister Kapinga noted that the Sixth Phase Government has placed strong emphasis on improving the business environment, developing industries, and opening domestic and international markets—measures that are creating broad opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation among Tanzanians.


She explained that the Ministry of Industry and Trade is responsible for overseeing industrial and commercial development, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), intellectual property, fair competition, standards and product quality, as well as promoting domestic and international trade through 13 institutions under the ministry, including TBS, SIDO, BRELA, TANTRADE, and NDC.


Elaborating on the National Development Vision 2050, Minister Kapinga said the vision positions industrialization, competitive trade, and a strong private sector as key pillars of economic transformation, with priority given to youth, women, and persons with disabilities in economic participation. She added that value addition to agricultural produce and industrial goods is fundamental to job creation, boosting exports, and reducing imports.


Regarding the implementation of the Sixth Phase Government’s targets over the past four years (2021–2024), Minister Kapinga said the government has reviewed and updated key policies, including the National Trade Policy, the Sustainable Industrial Development Policy, and the Entrepreneurship Development Policy, to align with global economic changes and enhance Tanzania’s international competitiveness.


She noted that these measures have increased exports of goods and services by more than 14 percent, reaching approximately USD 16.89 billion in 2025. Industrial products such as cement, roofing sheets, float glass, and tiles have also secured significant markets in East Africa, the SADC region, and beyond.


In another development, Minister Kapinga said the government amended more than 12 laws between 2020 and 2025 to improve the business and investment climate, leading to a significant increase in the registration of companies, business names, trademarks, patents, and industrial licenses. She stated that the number of registered companies rose from 9,630 to 23,365, while industrial licenses increased from 236 to 491 annually.


According to the minister, the industrial sector increased its contribution to GDP from 7.0 percent in 2023 to 7.3 percent in 2024, while the trade sector’s contribution rose to 8.6 percent. This growth has been driven by improved business conditions, industrial expansion, and the opening of new regional and international markets.


On external markets, Minister Kapinga said Tanzania’s exports within Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) reached USD 3.94 billion in 2024, representing a 40 percent increase compared to 2023. She added that new markets have been opened in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, and Senegal, and urged young people to seize export opportunities.


She further noted that the government is in the final stages of preparing a National Export Strategy that will specifically include youth, ensuring they directly benefit from opportunities in international markets.


In improving service delivery, Minister Kapinga said the ministry has strengthened digital systems for registration and licensing through BRELA, including the Online Registration System (ORS) and the Tanzania National Business Portal (TNBP), which have simplified business formalization and reduced costs for entrepreneurs.


She emphasized that the government’s vision is for institutions to be facilitators rather than obstacles, with the goal of helping businesses formalize their operations instead of shutting them down, thereby expanding employment opportunities and national revenue.


In conclusion, Minister Kapinga urged young people to take advantage of opportunities in industry, trade, value addition, and export markets, stressing that ongoing investment is the foundation for sustainable jobs and national development.

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