Africa-Press – Tanzania. OVER 400 stakeholders from within and outside the country are expected to participate in the Horticulture Business and Investment Summit, scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam from November 12 to 13 this year.
The summit aims to explore investment opportunities, address sectoral challenges, and strengthen partnerships in the rapidly growing horticultural industry.
According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Gerald Mweli, the summit will serve as a platform for both local and international participants to engage in dialogue on improving the production and marketing of vegetables and fruits.
“As you are aware, one of the government’s priorities is to promote and increase investment in agriculture. This investment has been made possible through close cooperation between the government and various institutions. Among our key partners in transforming this sector is the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA),” said Mr Mweli.
He noted that horticulture, which includes the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, has undergone a remarkable transformation in Tanzania, with more people now recognising it as a profitable business rather than merely a source of food.
Mr Mweli outlined four main objectives of the summit including reviewing past achievements in horticulture, addressing investment challenges, developing joint strategies between the government and stakeholders, and fostering long-term collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate the sector’s growth.
He added that high-level government participation will include five Permanent Secretaries from various ministries, who will engage with stakeholders and help chart pathways for increased investment in the sector.
Mr Mweli further noted that the summit will be an annual event, with the first edition being held in Dar es Salaam and future editions integrated into the Nane Nane agricultural exhibitions to promote continued dialogue and innovation in horticulture.
TAHA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jacqueline Mkindi, said the summit will bring together investors, government representatives, private sector players, and development partners to identify opportunities and address logistical challenges such as storage and transportation, which are crucial due to the perishable nature of horticultural produce.
“This sector is growing at approximately nine per cent annually faster than any other agricultural sub-sector in Tanzania, creating vast opportunities for both local and international investors,” said Dr Mkindi.
She added that participants from regional blocs, including SADC, COMESA, and the East African Community (EAC), will also take part in the summit to discuss strategies for improving market access and investment flows.
The summit is expected to help Tanzania raise the annual value of horticultural exports from the current 570–600 million US dollars to 2 billion US dollars, in line with government targets.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA), Ms Irene Mlola, commended TAHA for its efforts in promoting Tanzania’s produce internationally and underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector.
“We view this summit as a vital platform for bringing stakeholders together to discuss challenges and develop strategies for the sustainable growth of the horticultural sector. The government’s role is to create an enabling environment for trade and investment, ensuring that the sector continues to thrive for the benefit of all,” said Ms Mlola.
The summit underscores Tanzania’s commitment to positioning itself as a leading producer and exporter of horticultural products in Africa and beyond, while strengthening food security and contributing to economic growth at the community level.
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