Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE newly launched Kwala Industrial Park is expected to generate over 300,000 jobs, revolutionise Tanzania’s manufacturing sector and attract billions in foreign investment, Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo has said.
Speaking yesterday during the official launch of the park in Kwala, Coast Region, Dr Jafo described the project as a key driver of industrialisation and a cornerstone of the country’s economic transformation agenda.
The industrial park spans more than 1,000 hectares adjacent to the Kwala Inland Dry Port and is set to accommodate over 200 factories once fully developed. Total investment is projected to exceed 3 billion US dollars (about 7.65tri/-).
“This park will produce goods worth more than 6 billion US dollars (about 15.3tri/-) annually, of which, 2 billion US dollars (about 5.1tri/-) destined for export markets and 4 billion US dollars (about 10.2tri/-) for the domestic market,” said Dr Jafo.
“It will create 50,000 direct jobs and 250,000 indirect jobs, significantly boosting youth employment and national economic growth.” He added that the government is committed to empowering young people through rapid industrial growth, spurred by bold policy reforms.
According to the minister, Tanzania had 52,128 registered industries in 2021; that number has now grown to 80,000, reflecting remarkable progress in a short period. Dr Jafo noted that the expanding manufacturing sector would help reduce the country’s dependence on imports by enabling more local production.
“We are moving towards producing many essential goods locally. This will also absorb thousands of graduates entering the job market every year,” he said.
He said in 2021, Tanzania produced 51,800 graduates. That number has now risen to 67,000, with the private sector, particularly manufacturing emerging as a key employer. He also said efforts continue to increase exports, while minimising non-essential imports, in line with the country’s long-term development vision.
“Industrialisation is a central pillar of Tanzania’s Vision 2050 (Dira 20250). Our ministry remains fully committed to this goal,” he said.
Strategically located near major transport corridors, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Morogoro Highway, the Kwala Industrial Park, alongside the Kwala Inland Dry Port is expected to position Tanzania as a major logistics and manufacturing hub in East and Central Africa.
Dr Jafo revealed that the park will soon host the largest waterproof materials factory in East and Central Africa, as well as a major solar panel manufacturing facility.
“These industries will create thousands of additional jobs for the youth and further cement Tanzania’s place as a regional industrial leader,” he said.
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