What You Need to Know
Tanzania’s government has unveiled a six-year plan to establish two industrial clusters in each region, totaling 52 nationwide. This initiative aims to accelerate industrial growth and decrease reliance on imports. The Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade highlighted the importance of promoting locally produced goods and enhancing competitiveness through modern technologies.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. EACH region will receive two industrial clusters under a new six-year government plan aimed at accelerating industrial growth and reducing reliance on imported goods, the National Assembly heard yesterday.
Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dennis Londo, said the programme, launched in 2025, will see the construction of about 52 industrial clusters nationwide.
“Under this programme, about 52 industrial clusters will be constructed, which is equivalent to two clusters in each region. These clusters will help to promote industrial development and reduce the importation of goods,” he said He said this in response to a basic question from Mahonda MP (CCM), Othman Maulid Suleiman, who sought to know government’s strategies to expand industries in the country.
Mr Londo said the plan builds on progress already made through collaboration between the government and the private sector.
“As of December 2025, the government, in collaboration with the private sector, has established 36 industrial clusters in 16 regions,” he said.
“Out of these, six clusters are at construction stage, while some industries within the clusters have already started production.”
He cited the Kwala industrial cluster in Pwani Region and the Kilimanjaro cluster in Kigamboni, noting that each has four factories already operational.
In a supplementary question, Mr Suleiman sought to know what strategies are in place to encourage citizens to prefer and purchase locally produced goods, and whether a specific programme exists to promote domestic products.
Responding, Dr Londo said promoting local products is a collective responsibility.
“The responsibility to promote and embrace locally produced goods lies with all of us,” he said, adding that the ministry, through Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), is implementing a Made in Tanzania branding initiative.
Meanwhile, in another supplementary question, Magomeni MP (CCM), Imamu Mtumwa Vuai, asked when the government will introduce stronger measures to protect local industries from competition posed by cheap imported goods.
In response, Mr Londo said the government continues to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks in line with East African Community protocols.
“We have continued to develop laws and improve regulations aimed at protecting domestic industries while also encouraging investment and expanding production,” he said.
He added that recent crackdowns on counterfeit goods are intended to protect local industries, build consumer confidence and safeguard investments.
In another supplementary question, Special Seats MP (CCM), Stella Ikupa, asked about strategies to ensure locally produced goods remain competitive. Mr Londo said the government is promoting the use of modern technologies to improve production quality and competitiveness.
The establishment of industrial clusters in Tanzania is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic development and reduce dependency on imports. Historically, Tanzania has faced challenges in industrialization, but recent government initiatives aim to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors to stimulate growth. The introduction of the Made in Tanzania branding initiative reflects a commitment to promoting local products and improving the overall industrial landscape in the country.
