Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango has called on industrial producers to broaden their investments in strategic sectors, emphasizing industries that generate substantial employment, drive innovation, and enhance productivity.
He made the remarks during the President's Annual Award Ceremony for Top Manufacturers at the Super Dome in Masaki, Dar es Salaam.
“I urge manufacturers to expand their investments in strategic industries that are crucial for creating jobs, fostering innovation, and increasing productivity,” Dr. Mpango stated.
Dr. Mpango acknowledged that while Tanzania's manufacturing sector has made strides in consumer goods and construction materials, a large portion of raw materials is still imported.
“Industries are performing reasonably well, particularly in consumer goods, beverages, and construction materials like cement, steel, and tiles. However, we still rely heavily on imported raw materials,” he said, stressing the need for local resource utilization.
The Vice President urged the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) to identify fast-growing sectors that have successfully penetrated regional and international markets.
“It is essential for CTI to determine which sectors are growing rapidly and where we can strengthen our efforts to boost productivity, output, and sales,” Dr. Mpango advised, adding that this would support the country’s Vision 2050 goals.
In addition, he encouraged manufacturers to develop resilience strategies against global economic fluctuations and to adopt sustainable production practices, including plastic waste recycling.
“Manufacturers must devise measures to shield themselves from global economic turbulence and ensure that production activities do not harm the environment,” he added.
Dr. Mpango also called on industrial manufacturers and the private sector to leverage the country’s youthful workforce by increasing on-the-job training opportunities.
“The private sector should take full advantage of our large youth labor force by creating more skill-building opportunities and internships,” he said, directing CTI to coordinate successful industrialists to mentor students from universities.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives to foster a business-friendly environment, Dr. Mpango noted improvements in infrastructure, particularly in transportation.
“We are committed to creating an enabling environment for industries, which includes upgrading our transportation infrastructure and expanding the Port of Dar es Salaam to make cargo handling more efficient,” he remarked.
He also pointed to the nearly completed Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, currently at 99.21%, as well as ongoing projects such as the development of industrial parks at Kwala, Mlandizi, and the TAMCO Industrial Zone in Kibaha.
“The goal is to increase market access for industrial producers and traders,” he explained, mentioning that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has completed a National Strategy for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
CTI Chairperson Paul Makanza expressed gratitude to the government for resolving key issues faced by manufacturers, including reliable power supply, a supportive tax system, improved access to foreign currency, and economic stability.
“We appreciate the government’s efforts in stabilizing the economy and addressing our needs, particularly in power supply, currency stability, and inflation control,” Makanza said.