AGP Executive Report

Industrial Strategy: Tanzania’s Bagamoyo Eco-maritime City is set for an industrial push, with 25 projects worth about $3bn and up to 100,000 jobs planned across textiles, steel, agro-processing, construction materials and more. Blue Economy & Conservation: Tanzania will host COP12 to the Nairobi Convention in Dar es Salaam (Oct 6–9), aiming to coordinate action on marine pollution, illegal fishing and coastal ecosystem protection. Legal & Public Finance: The Office of the Solicitor General says it saved the government $430.4m (about 1.14tri/-) by successfully handling arbitration cases in 2025/26. Energy Access: TANESCO and CRDB Bank launched an electricity connection financing scheme, with over a million households already connected and Dar/Coast leading demand at around 800MW. Fuel Supply Coordination: The Energy Ministry is working more closely with TAOMAC to improve fuel availability and the performance of the petroleum supply chain nationwide. Agriculture & Irrigation: Government investment of 33.9bn/- is boosting irrigation in Mpanda (Mpanda irrigation project) to expand irrigated farming to 3,500 hectares and raise rice output. Mining Investment: Barrick renewed North Mara gold mining licenses for 15 years, highlighting local jobs and procurement. Regional Trade & Logistics: Dar es Salaam transit cargo rose 17% to 14.61m tonnes in 2025/26, with the DRC, Zambia and Rwanda driving demand. Mining Sector Reform: Tanzania is tightening mining sector management under Vision 2050, including raising mineral exploration and research allocations.

Energy & Power Access: Tanzania says it is working more closely with TAOMAC to keep fuel supplies adequate nationwide, while TANESCO and CRDB Bank’s electricity connection financing scheme is pushing power to over a million households, with Dar and Coast leading demand at about 800MW. Agribusiness & Farmer Cashflow: The government has ordered tobacco-buying firms to clear outstanding payments to farmers by Oct 30, after complaints about delayed payments and rising input costs. Irrigation & Value Addition: Tanzania is investing Sh33.9bn in Mpanda’s Mwamkulu irrigation project to expand irrigated farming to 3,500 hectares, boost rice production, and add processing and storage capacity. Mining Sector Reforms: PM Mwigulu Nchemba directed stronger mining management aligned to Vision 2050, including higher focus on mineral exploration and research funding. Industrial Projects & Jobs: Bagamoyo’s Eco-Maritime City is moving from plans to construction, with six projects already in the build phase and projections of thousands of jobs. Regional Energy Infrastructure: Uganda’s Museveni backs Dangote’s refinery plan in Kenya but says Uganda won’t commit money until the status of Tanzania’s proposed Tanga refinery is clarified. Trade & Logistics: Tanzania and Egypt discussed expanding Dar es Salaam port berths and cooperation on agriculture and health, as maritime logistics remains a key growth lever. Digital Finance: Absa’s Sitoyo Lopokoiyit highlights Tanzania’s mobile money market as a standout for fintech innovation, while noting cross-border transfer costs as a major friction point.

ICT & Youth Finance: Tanzania set aside Sh5bn in Dodoma for the ICT Startup Capital Empowerment Programme, offering loans from Sh1m–Sh100m via Azania Bank to help young firms scale digital solutions in areas like fintech, agriculture, logistics and e-commerce. Mining & Local Content: In Geita, the minerals ministry urged Tanzanian companies to pool capital and capabilities to compete as 14 mining projects move through development, targeting a bigger share of the ~Sh5.1tri annual mining procurement spend. Tax Administration: TRA and ZRA beat Q1 2026/27 targets, with TRA collecting 10.65tri (107.49%) and ZRA 353.31bn (100.63%), citing more taxpayers, tech use and expanded coverage. Energy & Power Access: Tanesco and CRDB’s deal to cut electricity connection costs was highlighted as Tanzania pushes to connect more citizens. Trade & Ports: Egypt’s PM met Tanzania’s VP to discuss Egyptian investment in Dar es Salaam port expansion and cooperation on agriculture and health. AFCON 2027 Infrastructure: Zanzibar said AFCON preparations are on track, with stadium, roads and transport works due by Dec 2026. Digital Agriculture: A feature explored how mobile phones are reshaping smallholder farming—while warning about new digital divides. Arts Regulation: Harmonize said he was disappointed by BASATA’s KSh240,000 fine and suspension over his “Kudos” video, underscoring tightening rules on artistic content.

Bagamoyo Industrial Push: Tanzania says six of 26 projects for the Bagamoyo Special Eco-Maritime City have entered construction, with about Sh4 trillion in investment and expectations of 15,000+ jobs, plus a new port, rail links and a technology park. Port & Infrastructure Talks: Egypt’s PM Mostafa Madbouly met Tanzania’s VP Deogratias Ndejembi at the Alamein-Africa Forum to discuss expanding Dar es Salaam port berths, agriculture cooperation and medical exchanges, citing the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant as a model. Youth Jobs Focus: A new look at Tanzania’s jobs challenge argues the priority is quality and productive formal work, not just more jobs, as youth unemployment remains a concern. ICT Startup Financing: Dodoma launched a Sh5bn programme to fund youth-led ICT startups via Azania Bank, offering loans from Sh1m to Sh100m across sectors like fintech, logistics and e-commerce. Tax Collection Gains: TRA and ZRA exceeded Q1 2026/27 revenue targets, driven by more taxpayers, improved administration and technology use. Mining Local Content: Geita’s Local Content Day urged Tanzanian firms to pool capital and scale up to win bigger mining contracts as 14 major projects move forward. Electricity Access Scheme: Tanesco and CRDB launched “Kila Kaya Itawaka,” covering rural connection fees (no repayment) and offering urban loans to expand household power access. Cost of Living Pressure: Tanzania’s inflation ticked up, with transport and energy costs weighing on households. Regional Energy Integration: Kenya’s Ruto says East Africa can support multiple refineries, including buying from Uganda and potentially Tanzania, as refining capacity grows. Mining & Engineering Opportunities: Government called for more research on invasive weeds and livestock diseases threatening pastoral incomes. Upcoming IPU Assembly: Tanzania prepares for the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha (Oct 5-9), positioning it as a chance for local firms to showcase products and build investment links.

Electricity Access Boost: Tanzania launched a TANESCO–CRDB scheme to cut connection costs, with CRDB covering about Sh27,000 for 500,000 rural/peri-urban customers yearly and urban users getting instalment options—aimed at widening power access for homes and factories. Port & Trade Logistics: Dar es Salaam Port transit cargo rose 17% to 14.61m tonnes in 2025/26, driven by higher flows to DRC, Zambia and Rwanda, as corridor upgrades and DP World’s terminal performance improve speed and reliability. Energy & Industry Partnerships: Tanzania is courting deeper Italian investment beyond selling—pushing production, agro-processing, renewable energy and ICT value-add to serve EAC/SADC/AfCFTA markets. Jobs & Business Quality: World Bank experts say Tanzania’s jobs challenge is about creating more productive formal work, not just increasing labour numbers, calling for stronger private investment and better skills-to-employment links. Agriculture & Livestock Resilience: Tanzania is urging more research on invasive weeds and livestock diseases threatening rangelands, with calls for practical, affordable prevention solutions for pastoralists. Transport for AFCON 2027: In Arusha, road works linking to the AFCON stadium are over 60% complete, targeting completion by May 2027 to support movement and local economic activity. Rural Infrastructure Deal: WCF and Tanzania Railways signed a Sh65bn plan for a four-star hotel and conference centre at Jakaya Kikwete Central Station, banking on SGR passenger growth. Household Cost Pressure: Inflation edged up to 4.3% in August, with transport and energy costs hitting households harder than the headline rate suggests.

Regional Investment & Trade: Tanzania invited EU investors as it pushes a new phase of economic ties with Italy focused on technology, innovation, agro-processing and value-add exports. Port & Logistics Performance: Dar es Salaam port cut container vessel waiting and handled record 33.7m tonnes in 2025/26, reinforcing Tanzania’s role as an Indian Ocean gateway. Manufacturing & Jobs: TISEZA data shows Chinese investors dominate EPZ inflows, with manufacturing leading new projects and projected employment. Energy & Clean Cooking: A solar electrified cooking system is being funded for Tumaini Lutheran Seminary in Malinyi to cut harmful emissions and improve student health. Digital Health Deals: i3 announced four partnerships to expand pharmacy credit, and scale digital care models for hypertension and diabetes across Tanzania. Tourism Value Capture: Pan-African tourism groups urged more African ownership so more visitor spending stays on the continent. Bilateral Media Cooperation: Tanzania and Oman signed agreements to exchange journalist training and strengthen responsible AI use in news production. Sports & Community Economy: Zanzibar is being urged to turn AFCON 2027 into jobs and income beyond stadiums, linking sport, culture and tourism. Cycling & Local Business: Vodacom Coastal Classic set for 169 cyclists, boosting regional sports tourism and prize incentives.

East African Refining Push: Aliko Dangote dismissed Kenya land-protest claims, saying the Lamu refinery will proceed and be ready by 2030, with the $16bn, 700,000-bpd project backed by regional leaders and framed as a new industrial chapter for fuel security. Regional Energy Integration (Tanzania-Uganda): Tanzania and Uganda moved a step forward on refined-products infrastructure at Chongoleani, Tanga, handing the site to a consultant for feasibility work to strengthen supply security and cut reliance on imports. Cement Investment Signal: Kenya’s William Ruto announced a new Ksh33bn cement factory investor for Kitui, highlighting how investor-friendly policy is shaping East Africa’s construction materials pipeline. Transport Costs Relief (Malawi-Tanzania Rail Link): Malawi unveiled plans for a north-bound railway connecting to the Tanzania-Zambia network to reduce logistics costs hitting businesses and households. Climate & Water Risk Management (Tanzania): Rufiji Basin Water Board was ordered to complete an embankment along the Lumemo River within seven days ahead of El Niño rains. Mining Knowledge Base: Tanzania and Finland signed an MoU to deepen mineral research cooperation, aiming to improve access to geological data for investment and value addition. Fuel Shift at Home: Tanzania’s CNG uptake is rising fast as motorists turn to cheaper gas, with refuelling stations expanding.

East Africa Refining Push: Aliko Dangote broke ground on a US$16bn Lamu refinery complex, targeting 700,000 bpd and up to 1,000MW for operations, with multiple African heads of state in attendance—while President William Ruto said Kenya has no “bad blood” with Uganda or Tanzania over separate refinery plans. Courtroom vs Industry: In Lamu, 133 residents filed to halt the Dangote-linked project, arguing it threatens ancestral land and livelihoods, as a court order keeps the land status quo until Oct 14. Tanzania Energy Policy: Tanzania’s Court of Appeal upheld TRA’s disallowance of depreciation on exploration expenditure, and the country is also advancing nuclear ambitions via the revived Mkuju River uranium project. Trade Friction: South Sudan urged Kenya to cut costly customs bond charges and delays that raise barriers for traders using the Port of Mombasa and Northern Corridor. Energy & Investment Calendar: Tanzania’s Power & Energy Tanzania 2026 and Solar Expo Tanzania 2026 (Oct 7–9, Dar es Salaam) will bring international firms and utilities to seek partnerships. Human Capital & Inclusion: Tanzania’s youth skills push is being urged to better include young people with disabilities as unemployment remains a concern. Global Food Risk: UN warns fertilizer shipment disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz could worsen food insecurity, citing Tanzania among Gulf-dependent importers.

East Africa Refining Push: Kenya has officially started construction of Dangote’s $16bn, 700,000-bpd Lamu refinery, with plans for up to 1,000MW of power and a 40-month delivery timeline—positioned as a major step for regional industrialisation and fuel security. Courtroom Roadblock: The project’s momentum faces legal pressure after a Malindi Environment and Land Court interim order paused activities on disputed land, with the African Energy Chamber condemning the challenge as anti-development. Regional Politics: Uganda’s Museveni backed the Lamu refinery but said Uganda will not invest there until it clarifies its own earlier Tanga refinery plans. Industrial Contracts: Engineering and technology partners are lining up, including Engineers India Limited and Honeywell Technologies, as construction begins and local content is promised. Tanzania Policy & Industry: Tanzania’s Tiseza is pitching mining, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and digital projects to Finnish and European investors, while Tanzania also prepares for El Niño risk management in Morogoro through NEMC directives. Mining Value-Add Theme: Commentary highlights Tanzania’s need for reliable power and better sequencing to move from raw mineral exports to higher-value processing.

East African Refining Push: Five heads of state joined Kenya’s William Ruto and Aliko Dangote to break ground on the $16bn Lamu refinery, targeting 700,000 barrels per day and a 40-month build, with regional crude supply links and promises of jobs and industrial spillovers. Uganda’s Position: Yoweri Museveni backed the Lamu project but said Uganda won’t invest until it clarifies what happened to a separate Tanga refinery plan, while reiterating Uganda’s own Hoima “small refinery” track. Tanzania Investment Drive: Tanzania is courting European capital in critical minerals, manufacturing and agro-processing, pitching value addition and jobs under Dira 2050. SME Finance Gap: A Mastercard piece highlights why Tanzania’s small businesses struggle to access bank credit—banks can’t “see” enough reliable financial records—calling for data-sharing collaboration. Climate & Flood Readiness: NEMC ordered Morogoro residents to move from flood-prone low areas, clear drainage and protect water sources ahead of El Niño rains. Trade Finance Boost: AfDB and Exim Bank Tanzania signed a $10m trade finance guarantee to expand letters-of-credit support for SMEs and cross-border traders. Transport & Airports: Tanzania urged private investment to upgrade air transport, while TANROADS was tasked to finish key Arusha road works by December. Health & Industry: Tanzania plans a cancer drug plant and a Centre of Excellence in Arusha to expand access to medicines and treatment.

Urban Resilience Funding: WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities opened a new $250,000 grand prize cycle for proven projects that make cities safer and more climate-resilient, with applications running to Jan 13, 2027. AFCON 2027 Readiness: CAF is reportedly weighing contingency options after concerns about stadium and logistics delays for the Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania co-hosted tournament, though CAF says no “Plan B” is official yet. Immigration & Mobility: Tanzania eased visa rules for Nigerians by removing the extra referred-visa clearance step, simplifying entry for tourists while keeping the standard visa requirement. Energy & Industry: Aliko Dangote says Africa could be largely self-sufficient in refined fuel by 2030, as his $16bn, 700,000-bpd Lamu refinery plans move forward. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Tanzania and Burundi launched their joint commission meeting in Bujumbura to review cooperation across trade, transport, agriculture, energy, minerals, and security. Maritime Skills: Tanzania highlighted maritime technology and workforce training during World Maritime Day in Tanga, aiming to improve safety and efficiency in ports and shipping. Finance & Inclusion: Tanzania Commercial Bank pledged to strengthen capacity and prepare for capital market entry to boost lending and support Vision 2050. Digital Access: Vodacom expanded accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing users, targeting barriers that affect access to financial services and support.

Maritime Jobs Push: Tanzania used World Maritime Day in Tanga to spotlight maritime technology and skills, with TASAC reporting 15,948 seafarer certificates issued by March and officials urging port safety upgrades and closer public-private collaboration. Capital Markets for Industry: Stanbic says Tanzania’s capital market reforms are opening longer-term financing options for public institutions, as the country moves to list more state entities on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange and liberalise access to government securities. Fuel and Regional Trade: Rwanda received its first 40,000-tonne bulk fuel cargo via Kenya’s Port of Mombasa, activating a government-to-government route using Kenya Pipeline Company—an energy security and logistics boost for the region. Fuel Self-Sufficiency Debate: Aliko Dangote renewed claims that Africa could largely stop importing refined fuel by 2030, as he prepares a major refinery push tied to East Africa’s energy future. Gold Export Momentum: Tanzania’s gold exports reportedly climbed 37.4% to $5.67bn in the year ending July 2026, pointing to continued mining output gains. Tanzania–Oman Trade Talks: Muscat hosted the first bilateral consultations in years, with Tanzania inviting Oman Investment Authority to back processing industries, natural gas and mining through PPPs.

Cancer Care Push: Tanzania plans a cancer drug manufacturing plant and a specialized treatment centre in Arusha, with land already allocated and screening camp activity underway to cut travel to Dar es Salaam. Energy & Industry: Tanzania’s new energy minister reshuffle signals continued focus on power and infrastructure, while Orca Energy updates highlight Songo Songo licence expiry and gas contract uncertainty. Mining Readiness: The Ministry of Minerals orders small-scale miners to prepare for heavy rains, tightening safety around pits, tailings and emergency plans. Mining Expansion: Tanzania targets deep geophysical survey coverage to rise from about 16% to at least 50% by 2030 to lower exploration costs and guide new mining areas. Digital Services in Mining Towns: Yas expands retail and digital financial services in Kahama to support connectivity for mining, agriculture and trade. Tourism Sustainability: A Dar-based tourism operator tests a Tesla to cut noise and local exhaust emissions, pushing greener travel in northern Tanzania. Fuel & Logistics: Tanzania’s diesel price cut supports transport and business costs, while regional fuel pipeline plans (Tanzania–Zambia) point to growing demand from mining and the wider economy. Accountability & Procurement: Dodoma launches simplified public accountability reports based on CAG audits, spotlighting follow-through gaps and large procurement questioned values.

Cancer Care & Pharma: Tanzania plans to build a cancer drug manufacturing plant and a specialized cancer treatment center in Arusha, with land already allocated and preparations underway, aiming to cut travel to Dar es Salaam and support early detection through ORCI-led screening camps. Mining Growth Plan: The Ministry of Minerals says it will expand deep geophysical surveys from 16% to at least 50% of Tanzania’s land by 2030 to lower exploration costs and boost mining’s contribution to GDP and foreign exchange. Mining Value Addition: Tanzania has prepared a Mineral Value Addition Strategy (2026/27–2030/31) to push beneficiation, refining and mineral-based manufacturing via partnerships with the investment and special economic zones authority. Pharma Import Bill Cut: Government is working on a strategy to reduce Tanzania’s annual pharmaceutical import bill (about $1bn) by raising local production toward 80% by 2030. Energy & Industry Finance: Taifa Gas’ Energy Ambassador campaign in Shinyanga awarded a clean-cooking motorcycle to a local promoter, supporting the push to reach 80% clean cooking by 2034. Water Resilience: Dawasa identified over 20 Dar es Salaam/Coast areas at risk from expected El Niño rains to protect water sources, pipelines and sewerage systems. Travel Insurance Rule: From Oct 1, foreign visitors to mainland Tanzania must buy inbound travel insurance for $44 (up to 92 days) via NIC, while Zanzibar uses ZIC—welcomed by some, but criticized for short notice. Digital & Built Environment Startups: Dar Ventures and Plug and Play launched a new DarE cohort for built-environment tech startups across Africa, the Middle East and Europe, focusing on AI, automation and sustainability. Accountability Watch: In Dodoma, simplified public accountability reports based on CAG audits highlighted delayed follow-through on procurement and other recommendations. Gold Accountability Case: The London Bullion Market Association heads to London High Court on Oct 7 to defend itself against a lawsuit linked to alleged abuses at Tanzania’s North Mara gold mine.

Tanzania–US Business Climate: Tanzania pledged to keep visa-on-arrival access for US nationals and keep improving the investment climate, with the foreign ministry offering help on regulatory and procedural hurdles. Energy Cabinet Shake-up: President Samia appointed Dr Juma Homera as Energy Minister and Masanja Kadogosa as Works Minister, reshuffling key portfolios as the energy and infrastructure agenda stays central. Mining Cooperation Push: Egypt signalled deeper ties with Kenya and Tanzania on mining, geological surveying and mineral processing, aiming to move beyond raw-material exports into higher-value industry. Women in Minerals: Tanzania says it wants women miners to move from licences to ownership, production, trading and investment, highlighting progress in Geita’s Mining Queens Awards. Investment Promotion Win: TISEZA was named Africa’s Best Investment Promotion Agency for the third straight year, citing a surge in registered projects and approved capital. Food Security Warning: El Niño-linked risks are raising food crisis concerns across East Africa, with grain price pressure and calls for faster response systems. Regional Trade & Cost Pressures: EAC inflation eased sharply in June, but core and food inflation stayed stubborn—fuel and utilities remain a watch item. AFCON Infrastructure Link: Uganda’s Kabalega Airport handled first passenger flights as a practical readiness test for AFCON 2027, with Tanzania a co-host in the wider East Africa push.

Tanzania-Qatar Investment Push: Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba met Qatar Chamber officials in Doha, pitching Tanzania’s opportunities in food security, energy and infrastructure and inviting Qatari private-sector investment. Women in Mining: Tanzania is moving women miners from the margins toward ownership, production, trading and investment, with the Deputy Minister for Minerals urging licences to translate into real operations and jobs during the Mining Queens Awards in Geita. El Niño Outlook: Experts warn El Niño won’t hit all regions the same way—some areas may see drier conditions even as others expect heavier rains, urging early preparation. EAC Inflation Watch: East African Community inflation eased sharply in June, but core and food pressures remain, keeping costs a concern for households and businesses. Tanzania Investment Promotion Win: TISEZA was named Africa’s Best Investment Promotion Agency for 2026 for the third straight year, as registered projects and approved capital rose strongly. Digital Transformation Lessons: A Finland study visit told Tanzania’s ICT stakeholders to strengthen links between policy, research, startups, funding and industry to turn digital ambitions into jobs. Health Systems Focus: “Future Health” convened global leaders at UNGA 81, stressing prevention, early intervention and execution capacity—including Tanzania’s participation.