Dar es Salaam, 23 February 2023

The Tanzanian-European Union Business Forum 2023 opened today in Dar es Salaam to high-level dignitaries and businesses from the Tanzanian government and various European countries. The forum is being organized by the European Union in Tanzania, together with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, in cooperation with the EU member states and the Tanzanian private sector. The Forum was officiated by His Excellency Dr. Phillip Isdor Mpango, the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania. It was also addressed by Hon. Minister Olivier Becht, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness of France; Hon. Dr Ashatu Kijaji, the Minister for Investment, Industry and Trade of the United Republic of Tanzania; Mr Thomas Östros, the Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB: and Ms. Helena Konig, the deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service- of the European Union (EU). All speakers insisted on the opportunities for both EU and Tanzania businesses that can be realised from the business forum. The EU representatives reiterated the need to strengthen partnerships especially at a time when the world has faced and is facing multiple challenges. The Guest of Honour, in his remarks presented the philosophy guiding the sixth phase government; the 4Rs [standing for Reform, Reconciliation, Resiliency and Rebuilding] – in realising the vision of Tanzania becoming an uppermiddle income country, sustainably and inclusively. This morning, three agreements were signed worth EUR 353 Million [approximately TZS 882.5 Billion] between Tanzania and European Union Institutions, took place in front of the Guest of Honour and the participants. The three agreements were: Air Service Agreement between the Government of France and the Tanzania Civil Aviation Agency; a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and Tanzania Ports Authority; investment for construction of the new Kakono hydro-power plant in Kagera region; and an announcement by Knauf Gypsum Tanzania Limited Company to triple their production in the country by 2025. This afternoon, sector panel featured discussions on Agriculture, Energy Transition, Manufacturing, Connectivity, Construction, Transport and Logistics. The objective of these sessions was to identify the emerging investment opportunities and discuss potential challenges for the business operation in the given sector. The practical expertise of the moderators, who are all from the private sector, informed the discussions and deliberations. Also, the panels included representatives from the public sector who informed on key policies and received feedback to inform future policy actions, from the private sector. Finally yet importantly, the discussions also included Bankable Projects as well as Finance & Support for investment. The first session was an opportunity for the Government to present the major investment opportunities in Tanzania as envisioned at this stage, with the goal of identifying the potential partnerships. The second session focused on showcasing the financing opportunities for public and private sector investments from a number of European Financing Institutions. For Tanzanian companies, this was an excellent occasion to identify emerging prospects. For more information please visit https://www.eu-tzbf.com/