Importers seek land for industrial park

Dar es Salaam. Importers have requested that the government allocate land in Kwala, Coast Region, for the development of a local industrial park.

The initiative aims to reduce the importation of certain goods that could have been produced domestically.

The importers argue that just as the government has allocated land for neighbouring countries including Zambia, Burundi, the DR Congo and the diaspora, it should also support local investors.

The Chairman of the Preparatory Committee, which includes 99.9 percent importers, Mr Abdallah Mwinyi, said establishing such an industrial park would allow the importers to build various industries within the area, thereby decreasing reliance on foreign products.

“Our primary goal is to support the government’s investment efforts while reducing the need for imports by increasing domestic production.

This, in turn, will boost the country’s revenue and create job opportunities for young people,” he said.

He noted that if they are allocated land, they will establish diverse factories that will contribute to tax revenue and employment.

The importers have formally requested for land in Kwale, aiming to build over 200 factories with employed young people.

Responding, the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, hailed the decision and encouraged the importers to refine their plan to align with current business development trends.

He emphasized the importance of having industrial parks to support local production and job creation.

The minister highlighted that the government supports the establishment of industrial parks, where locally-produced products can be manufactured domestically.

“I advise to explore opportunities through the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) and the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) to enhance your strategy,” he said.

He further outlined the government's vision of having significant industrial development by 2030.

According to him, plans include establishing three major, five medium-sized and 20 small industries in each region from 2025 to 2030.

“By 2030, the goal is to have two industrial parks in every region, involving both local and foreign investors or through collaboration,” he said.

He noted that the strategy aims to provide about 2,000 to 5,000 jobs per factory, significantly benefiting the youth and contributing to economic growth.