Arusha. Tanzania’s horticultural exporters have secured fresh export contracts totaling $1.6 million, equivalent to Sh4 billion, at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025. This achievement highlights the country’s expanding presence in the global produce trade.
The Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha) announced over the weekend that its members successfully struck deals with international buyers from across Asia and the Middle East during the recently concluded event.
Indian importers committed $200,000, while buyers from China signed contracts worth $100,000. Additional agreements included $500,000 in sales to Middle Eastern countries, several smaller consignments exceeding $100,000, and a flagship contract valued at $700,000, as reported by Taha.
Taha’s chief executive officer, Ms Jacqueline Mkindi, who led the delegation, emphasised that the positive response from buyers reflects Tanzania’s increasing competitiveness in supplying high-demand produce such as avocados, sweet melons, chilies, vegetables, bananas, oranges and mangoes.
“This strong interest demonstrates the untapped potential of Tanzania’s horticulture industry, but unlocking the Asian market requires supportive trade policies and stronger government engagement,” Ms Mkindi said.
Exporters at the fair urged Taha to work with the Tanzanian government to establish bilateral trade agreements with countries including Japan, India, China, Malaysia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and North Korea.
They believe such treaties would harmonise trade policies, ease restrictions, and enable Tanzanian produce to compete more effectively in premium markets.
One anonymous exhibitor highlighted Japan’s avocado market as a significant opportunity: “Japan is a large market for Tanzanian avocados, but we need policy alignment to reduce restrictions and make exports viable.”
Transport logistics also emerged as an urgent concern. Exporters pointed to high airfreight costs to Russia, which hinder Tanzania’s competitiveness compared to regional rivals, particularly Kenya. They called for innovative transport solutions to meet Russia’s growing demand for fresh produce.
Another priority identified was access to India’s Valencia orange market, with exporters advocating for expedited government-led negotiations to open what they believe could be a stable, long-term market for Tanzanian farmers.
Ms Mkindi conveyed her gratitude, on behalf of the horticultural industry, to TradeMark Africa (TMA), Sida, and the World Food Programme (WFP), who co-financed the initiative.
She stated that with the appropriate policy support, Tanzania could significantly increase its horticulture exports, leading to job creation, enhanced foreign exchange earnings, and strengthened rural livelihoods.
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