In brief
A delegation of 36 Tanzanian enterprises and government institutions will travel to Shanghai for the ninth China International Import Expo, aiming to broaden export opportunities amid China’s favorable trade terms for African partners. Delegation leaders highlighted potential for investment and partnership, while Chinese officials underscored a growing influx of Tanzanian products into China’s market.
Tanzania has announced a delegation of 36 enterprises and government institutions that will travel to Shanghai for the ninth China International Import Expo, scheduled for November 5–10, in a move intended to elevate its export profile in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
This announcement came after a farewell ceremony in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, hosted by the Chinese Embassy. In front of the gathering of senior officials and business leaders, the delegation’s participants—spanning multiple public and private entities—displayed flagship products such as coffee, tea, and honey, underscoring the country’s agricultural strengths.
Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Dennis Londo, speaking to reporters, said the expo offered Tanzanian businesses an “important opportunity to showcase their products, establish partnerships and attract investors from China and other international markets.” He urged exhibitors to engage actively with potential buyers, understand Chinese market requirements, and pursue ways to increase exports of agricultural and value‑added products.
“This expo is a platform for us to connect with a robust Chinese consumer base and for our companies to learn how best to meet their needs,” Londo said in his address.
Jonathan Nkwabi, Director of Trade Promotion at the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), described the mobilization of 36 enterprises as a coordinated effort to promote Tanzanian products internationally. He added that the trust between TanTrade and business organizers helped create a reliable framework for participating companies.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian highlighted China’s zero‑tariff policy for African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. According to Chen, the policy has created new opportunities for Tanzanian exporters, with imports from Tanzania reaching USD 290 million in the first half of 2026—a 12 percent year‑on‑year growth. She noted that the first consignment of Tanzanian honey had entered the Chinese market through a dedicated green channel for African agricultural products.
“China’s imports from Tanzania reached 290 million U.S. dollars in the first half of 2026, up 12 percent year on year,” Chen said. “The first consignment of Tanzanian honey entered China through a dedicated green channel, and 15 categories of our agricultural products have gained market access.”
Chen added that a total of 469 Tanzanian enterprises had registered to export agricultural and food products to China, reflecting growing confidence among producers and exporters. The ambassador encouraged the participating exhibitors to use the expo platform to forge commercial partnerships and bring more high‑quality products to Chinese consumers.
Cathy Wang, managing director of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center, traced the rise in Tanzanian participation from six enterprises in 2021 to 36 institutions this year. She said her organization works with TanTrade to help exhibitors meet Chinese market standards and navigate logistics, recognizing that increased exposure could translate into sustained trade growth.
The expo itself is an influential venue, aiming to bootstrap trade between China and global partners. For Tanzania, the event is not merely a trade fair but a strategic engagement that aligns with national economic development goals, reinforcing public accountability by driving tangible export gains. Each participant is expected to return with new contacts, potential contracts, and insights into China’s regulatory and consumer environment, thereby informing future policy decisions and investment priorities.
While specific outcomes from the brief period at the expo remain to be seen, the delegation’s participation signals a broader trend of African nations seeking diversified markets and deeper economic ties beyond traditional partners. The synergy between government‑led promotion and private enterprise participation at this international event highlights a policy approach centered on openness and cooperative growth.
