In brief
Tanzania’s 36‑member delegation will attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai from November 5‑10, showcasing products ranging from coffee and tea to honey. Delegation members highlighted the impact of China’s zero‑tariff policy for African partners, noting a 12% growth in imports last year and the opening of new market access for 15 agricultural categories. The move comes amid a steady rise in Tanzania’s participation, growing from six exhibitors in 2021 to the current 36, though the long‑term benefits remain to be seen.
The Republic of Tanzania has announced a delegation of 36 enterprises and government institutions to attend the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, as the country seeks to boost its exports and broaden access to the Chinese market.
The delegation was introduced at a farewell ceremony organized by the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam on Saturday. Exhibitors in attendance displayed a selection of products—including coffee, tea and honey—that represent the country’s agricultural output.
Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Dennis Londo noted that the expo provides Tanzanian businesses a vital platform to showcase their goods, 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 seek opportunities to expand exports of agricultural and value‑added products.
Director of Trade Promotion at the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), Jonathan Nkwabi, said that the 36 enterprises mobilised for the event represent a coordinated effort to promote Tanzanian products abroad. His comments reflected a broader institutional push to increase the country’s export presence.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian highlighted China’s zero‑tariff policy for African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with China. She cited that imports from Tanzania reached 290 million U.S. dollars in the first half of 2026, an increase of 12 percent year on year. Chen added that the first consignment of Tanzanian honey had entered the Chinese market through a dedicated green channel for African agricultural products.
Chen further mentioned that 15 categories of Tanzanian agricultural products have been granted access to the Chinese market, and that 469 Tanzanian enterprises have registered to export agricultural and food products to China. She encouraged businesses attending the expo to harness the platform for commercial partnerships and to bring higher‑quality local products to Chinese consumers.
Catherine Wang, managing director of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center, observed that Tanzania’s participation grew from six enterprises in 2021 to a 36‑enterprise and institution delegation this year, signalling increased interest among local businesses in the Chinese market. She said her organization is working with TanTrade to assist exhibitors in meeting Chinese market standards and connecting with buyers.
The 9th CIIE, scheduled to run from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai, has traditionally attracted a diverse range of importers seeking new suppliers. The event presents Tanzanian exhibitors with a high‑profile venue to demonstrate product quality and explore new business relationships.
While the delegation’s arrival signals Tanzania’s intent to deepen trade with China, the tangible outcomes—such as the number of new partnerships formed, the volume of orders secured, and the lasting impact on export figures—remain unclear. The deployment of 36 companies in a single expo is a significant step, yet the effectiveness of this initiative will ultimately depend on how well the delegation can convert exposure into concrete trade agreements. The extent to which China’s zero‑tariff preference will translate into sustained market access for Tanzanian goods also continues to be a point of uncertainty, according to the officials who outlined the current framework in the recent statements.
