In brief
Tanzania announced a delegation of 36 enterprises to the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The move aims to increase exports of coffee, tea, honey, and other agricultural products, especially as China’s zero‑tariff policy opens new opportunities. Officials highlighted strong growth and new trade channels over the first half of 2026.
A delegation of 36 Tanzanian enterprises and government institutions is headed to Shanghai for the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) from Nov. 5‑10, a move announced by officials in Dar es Salaam on Nov. 1.
During a farewell ceremony organized by the Chinese Embassy, some exhibitors displayed their products, including coffee, tea and honey, giving a preview of the items they plan to showcase at the expo.
Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Dennis Londo said the expo offers Tanzanian businesses an important opportunity to showcase their products, establish partnerships and attract investors from China and other international markets. He urged exhibitors to actively engage with potential buyers, understand Chinese market requirements and explore opportunities to increase exports of agricultural and value‑added products.
Jonathan Nkwabi, Director of Trade Promotion at the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), noted that the 36 enterprises from the public and private sectors had been mobilized for the country’s participation, demonstrating a coordinated effort to promote Tanzanian products internationally.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said China’s zero‑tariff policy for African countries maintaining diplomatic relations with China was creating new opportunities for Tanzanian exporters. She cited imports from Tanzania reaching 290 million U.S. dollars in the first half of 2026, up 12 percent year on year, and mentioned that the first consignment of Tanzanian honey entered the Chinese market through a dedicated green channel for African agricultural products. Chen added that 15 categories of Tanzanian agricultural products had been granted access to the Chinese market, while 469 Tanzanian enterprises had registered to export agricultural and food products to China.
Cathy Wang, managing director of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center, said Tanzania’s participation grew from six enterprises in 2021 to 36 enterprises and institutions this year, reflecting growing interest among local businesses in the Chinese market. She said her organization was working with TanTrade to help exhibitors meet Chinese buyers and expand their reach.
