DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzania has attracted three major industrial investors to its manufacturing sector, signalling growing confidence in the East African nation as a hub for regional industrial development.
Trade Minister Judith Kapinga says the investments were facilitated through the National Development Corporation (NDC) and mark a significant milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to expand high-value manufacturing under the Sixth Phase Government.
“The arrival of Hyundai, Goodlife Investment, and Sanda Max Group demonstrates international and domestic confidence in Tanzania’s industrial environment,” Minister Kapinga said.
“These projects will generate jobs, stimulate local supply chains, and strengthen our position in regional manufacturing.”
The three investors will establish factories at the Kongani Industrial Park of TAMCO in Dar es Salaam. Hyundai Automobile Manufacturing will build a vehicle assembly plant on an 88,799-square-metre site.
Goodlife Investment Tanzania will begin assembling electric vehicles on 17,460 square metres, while Sanda Max Group Limited is constructing a livestock feed production facility on 17,390 square metres.
Collectively, the projects are expected to create more than 150 direct jobs and over 500 indirect positions.
“These factories represent a step-change in Tanzania’s industrial landscape,” Kapinga said. “We are focused on creating sustainable employment and enabling technology transfer, particularly in automotive and agribusiness sectors.”
The Ministry also reported progress at TBPL Factory in Pwani region, which has been under close supervision for the past 100 days.
During this period, the facility produced 83,333 litres of insecticides valued at TZS 1.03 billion and 6,223 litres of Thurisave-24 disinfectant worth TZS 62.2 million for the domestic market.
Exports to Uganda included 600 litres of insecticides valued at TZS 89 million and 6,223 litres of disinfectant worth TZS 62.2 million.
In addition, TBPL has begun producing organic fertilisers, installed solar energy systems, and built greenhouses for research purposes. These measures aim to boost agricultural productivity, reduce malaria transmission, and reduce dependence on imported goods.
Meanwhile, Kilimanjaro Industrial Park in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, covering more than 300 acres and managed by GSM, has begun trial production at its roofing sheet plant.
The park currently hosts three operational factories producing juice, bottled water, and torches. Two more factories — for plastic pipes and steel products — are under construction.
The park has already created approximately 5,000 direct jobs and is expected to provide 30,000 jobs when all 18 planned factories are operational.
Tanzania’s industrial expansion is part of a broader regional trend in East Africa, where countries are competing to attract manufacturing investment.
Kenya has developed Athi River and Tatu City industrial parks hosting over 200 factories, while Uganda’s Namanve Industrial Park focuses on light manufacturing and export-oriented production.
Ethiopia has successfully attracted automotive manufacturers through special economic zones, and Rwanda positions itself as a hub for clean, high-tech manufacturing.
“Compared with its neighbours, Tanzania is taking a structured approach to industrialisation through public-private partnerships and strategic industrial parks,” said Joseph Mwakyusa, an economist in Dar es Salaam.
“The focus on automotive assembly, electric vehicles, and agribusiness positions the country to benefit from technology transfer, import substitution, and export growth.”
Key statistics:
- Three major investors: Hyundai, Goodlife, Sanda Max
- Total land coverage: 123,649 m²
- Projected employment: 150+ direct jobs, 500+ indirect jobs
- TBPL outputs (100 days): 83,333 L insecticide (TZS 1.03 billion), 6,223 L disinfectant (TZS 62.2 million)
- Exports to Uganda: 600 L insecticide (TZS 89 million), 6,223 L disinfectant (TZS 62.2 million)
- Kilimanjaro Industrial Park: 300+ acres, 3 operational factories, 2 under construction, 5,000 current jobs, projected 30,000 jobs
Minister Kapinga said the government remains committed to creating an investor-friendly environment.
“Through infrastructure development, regulatory clarity, and targeted incentives, we are ensuring that Tanzania remains competitive in East Africa’s industrial landscape,” she said.
The new factories also reflect Tanzania’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors. By targeting automotive, agribusiness, and manufacturing of construction materials, the government hopes to reduce imports, promote exports, and support regional value chains.
Analysts note that the government’s support for industrial parks like TAMCO and Kilimanjaro is a key differentiator.
While Kenya and Uganda have developed large industrial zones, Tanzania’s combination of NDC oversight, targeted incentives, and infrastructure investment is designed to attract high-value manufacturing and generate sustainable employment.
“The industrial parks not only create jobs but also develop supply chains, improve skills, and foster innovation,” Mwakyusa said.
“If fully realised, Tanzania could become a regional centre for automotive assembly and agribusiness manufacturing.”
With construction progressing and production ramping up, Tanzania is poised to strengthen its standing as a regional manufacturing hub, complementing existing industrial centres in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda.
