HELSINKI: Tanzania has launched an aggressive push to capture European investment, targeting capital and technical know-how for critical minerals, manufacturing, and agro-processing sectors.
The East African nation wrapped up a high-profile business forum in Helsinki, Finland, part of a broader investment roadshow across Europe that began September 28 and runs through October 6. Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Dr. Pius Chaya, told attendees that Tanzania prioritizes projects converting raw materials into finished goods while generating employment and reinforcing domestic supply chains.
“Sectors open for investment include agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, mining and mineral value addition, energy, infrastructure, tourism, ICT and the digital economy,” Chaya said.
He pointed to steady improvements in the country’s business climate, with the private sector positioned as the primary engine of economic expansion. Under the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, known as Dira 2050, the government aims to build a competitive and sustainable economy powered by private capital and innovation.
Gilead Teri, Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), showcased specific projects to European investors. The portfolio featured Epanko Graphite, Kabanga Nickel, Southern Rukwa Helium, and Panda Hill Niobium, spanning exploration through processing. He emphasized productive investment over raw capital inflows.
“Our focus is not simply to attract capital but to attract investment that adds value to our resources, creates jobs, transfers technology and strengthens Tanzania’s position in regional and global value chains,” Teri said.
Critical minerals dominated discussions, reflecting European urgency to secure dependable sources of materials essential for industrial and advanced technology applications. Graphite, nickel, cobalt, and niobium all featured among the highlighted opportunities.
Teri invited Finnish technology firms to enter through direct investment, joint ventures, or partnerships with Tanzanian companies. TISEZA’s One Stop Facilitation Centre, he noted, consolidates key government services to streamline project approvals and implementation. The authority also presented the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone, under development at a former gold mine in Kahama, Shinyanga Region, designed to leverage existing infrastructure for industrial processing.
Finland signaled enthusiasm for deepening ties. Political Secretary Pasi Rajala observed that the bilateral relationship, now exceeding six decades, has shifted from development aid toward broader economic collaboration. Digitalisation and mining represent the next frontier for cooperation, he said.
