Africa-Press – Tanzania. PARTICIPATION in international trade forums has become increasingly important for Tanzania as the country seeks to expand exports, diversify markets and strengthen the global competitiveness of locally produced goods.
For Tanzanian businesses, such platforms provide direct access to global buyers, investors and logistics networks that are critical for growth in today’s interconnected economy.
It is against this backdrop that Tanzanian traders and private sector players have been urged to participate in the Tanzania Trade and Logistics Forum 2026, scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from February 13 to 14. The forum is organised by the Tanzania Freight Forwarders Representation in Dubai (TANFORD) and is expected to bring together key stakeholders from the trade and logistics sectors.
The Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tanzanian companies to actively take part in the forum, describing the initiative as a strategic opportunity to promote Tanzanian products and services in the global market.
The move forms part of the implementation of the National Strategy for Increasing Exports and Enhancing the Competitiveness of Tanzanian Products in the Global Market, which places emphasis on export promotion, private sector empowerment and international market penetration.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, TANTRADE Director General Dr Latifa Mohammed Khamis said participation in international trade forums is vital for enabling Tanzanian businesses to access new markets, establish partnerships and increase export volumes.
She said TANTRADE is fully prepared to provide institutional and technical support to private companies participating in international trade missions, noting that the Authority has a responsibility to ensure Tanzanian businesses are competitive and well positioned globally.
“TANTRADE has a mandate to promote Tanzanian products and services beyond our borders. Participation in forums such as the Dubai trade and logistics conference enables our private sector to connect with international buyers, understand global market requirements and expand their businesses,” said Dr Khamis.
She commended TANFORD, through its Chairperson Hussein Jamal, for organising the forum, describing it as an important platform for promoting Tanzania internationally and strengthening trade relations with global markets. Dubai is recognised as one of the world’s leading trade and logistics hubs, serving as a gateway to markets in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa.
According to experts, Tanzanian participation in a forum hosted in such a strategic location offers significant opportunities for export growth, re-export trade and integration into global supply chains.
TANFORD Chairperson Hussein Jamal said the two-day forum, dubbed the Tanzania Trade and Logistics Forum 2026, aims to position Tanzania as a hub for trade and logistics in East and Central Africa while enhancing the utilisation of the country’s ports and transport infrastructure.
“We have organised this forum to promote Tanzania internationally and open up business opportunities for Tanzanian traders. The forum will help unlock trade and logistics opportunities between Tanzania and Dubai, while promoting the use of Tanzania’s ports as regional gateways,” said Jamal.
He added that the forum will bring together international buyers, investors, logistics service providers and policymakers, creating an environment for Tanzanian businesses to engage directly with global markets.
“TANFORD serves as a commercial bridge between Tanzania and international markets. Through this forum, Tanzanian entrepreneurs will be able to identify trade opportunities in Dubai while also promoting their businesses and products internationally,” he said.
From TANTRADE’s perspective, participation in such forums goes beyond visibility. The Authority plays a critical role in preparing exporters to meet international standards, comply with export regulations, improve packaging and branding, and understand logistics and market dynamics.
Dr Latifa said international trade missions also help strengthen longterm business relationships between Tanzanian and foreign traders, which are essential for sustainable export growth.
“My advice to Tanzanian businesspeople is to attend this forum, as it will open doors to partnerships with traders from different countries and provide valuable insights into global trade practices,” she said.
The forum is expected to attract participation from several key institutions, including the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), DP World, Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA), TANTRADE, TATOA, Port Marine Clearing & Forwarding, Silent Ocean, Kilimanjaro Star Cargo and the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF).
TAFFA President Edwin Urio said participation in the forum presents an opportunity for business growth, self-promotion and contribution to national economic development. He said the logistics and transport sector was the leading contributor of foreign exchange earnings in the 2024/25 financial year, underscoring its importance to the country’s economy.
“The logistics and transport sector remains the backbone of any growing economy. Strengthening international trade linkages through forums is therefore essential for sustaining economic growth,” said Urio. Beyond the event itself, TANTRADE’s responsibility includes ensuring that outcomes from international forums translate into tangible benefits for the economy.
This involves followup support for exporters, dissemination of market intelligence and continued capacity building for small and medium enterprises. As Tanzania continues to implement its export growth strategy, active participation in international trade forums remains a key tool for expanding market access and enhancing competitiveness.
With TANTRADE providing leadership and coordination, platforms such as the Dubai forum offer a practical pathway for Tanzanian businesses to succeed in the global market.
