Dar es Salaam, 17 March 2026; The Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) brought together a powerful gathering of Government Leaders, industry leaders, policy experts, and development partners at the CTI Industry Leaders’ Alignment & Iftar Networking Session 2026, held at Four Points by Sheraton (New Africa Hotel).
The event marked CTI’s first strategic engagement of the year, bringing together key stakeholders to align priorities, strengthen collaboration, and shape Tanzania’s industrial agenda for 2026.
A Platform for Alignment and Partnership
Delivering the opening remarks, CTI Vice Chairman, Eng. Benedict Lema emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue between the government and industry:
“Sustainable industrial growth can only be achieved through continuous dialogue, mutual trust, and coordinated action between Government and the private sector.”
The session brought together senior Government leadership, including Hon. Dennis Londo, Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, and Hon. Laurent Luswetula, Deputy Minister for Finance, alongside CEOs, Managing Directors, and industry stakeholders.
Strengthening Government–Industry Relations
CTI commended the Government of Tanzania for fostering a strong and collaborative relationship with the private sector, highlighting increased openness, responsiveness, and engagement in recent years.
A key highlight was the January 2026 visit by the Standing Parliamentary Committee on Industries, Trade, Agriculture, and Livestock, led by Hon. Deodatus Mwanyika, which engaged directly with major industrial players, including:
• Tanzania Cigarette Company (TCC)
• ALAF Limited
• Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL)
These engagements provided policymakers with first-hand insight into industrial operations, challenges, and opportunities, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based policy decisions.
2025 Achievements: Proof that Dialogue Works
Through structured engagement with the Task Force on Tax Reforms, CTI successfully influenced key policy changes reflected in the 2025/2026 National Budget, including:
• Reduction of the Service Levy from a variable cap of 0.3% of gross revenue to a fixed rate of 0.25%, providing greater predictability for businesses.
• Capping of interest on OSHA fines at 100% of the principal amount, replacing the previously punitive daily interest rate of 5%, which had placed excessive financial burden on manufacturers.
• Removal of container loading and offloading fees previously imposed by local authorities, which ranged between TZS 150,000 and TZS 300,000 per container.
• Targeted excise duty adjustments aimed at protecting domestic industries and supporting employment creation.
• Zero-rating of VAT on textiles produced from locally grown cotton, as well as VAT exemptions for locally processed edible oil and fertilizers, that directly support local value addition.
These reforms demonstrate that when industry speaks with one voice and the government listens, meaningful and impactful reforms can be achieved, and the power of collective advocacy and public-private collaboration.
Listening to Industry: Shaping the 2026 Agenda
CTI leadership conducted member engagements and sector consultations, ensuring that the 2026 advocacy agenda reflects real industry challenges and opportunities.
The consultations revealed key concerns affecting industrial competitiveness, and a comprehensive submission on CTI’s 2026 Policy and Advocacy Agenda by Mr. Isack Msungu, CTI Policy Specialist for Industries, was presented, which included;
• High regulatory costs and compliance burdens
• Delays in approvals and licensing
• Logistics inefficiencies and port challenges
• Illicit trade and substandard products
• Energy reliability and rising costs
• Overlapping regulatory mandates
Sector-specific issues were also highlighted, including:
• Tax pressures in the cement sector
• Policy asymmetry within the East African region
• Regulatory misclassification between manufacturing and mining
During the engagement, Hon. Laurent Luswetula, Deputy Minister for Finance, addressed participants, outlining fiscal measures and Government initiatives aimed at strengthening the industrial sector and supporting economic growth.
Participants also received insights on investment opportunities through Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in a presentation delivered by Ms. Elizabeth Muzo, General Land and Special Economic Zones Coordinator at TISEZA.
Her presentation highlighted the potential of SEZs in driving industrial growth, attracting investment, and enhancing Tanzania’s competitiveness. Get the document here
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Industrial Growth
In his keynote remarks, Hon. Dennis Londo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to industrialization as a central pillar of Tanzania’s economic transformation under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He emphasized the importance of:
• Strengthening infrastructure (ports, railways, roads)
• Improving regulatory efficiency
• Promoting value addition and export competitiveness
• Enhancing public-private collaboration
“The private sector remains a critical driver of economic growth, and the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for industries to thrive.”
The session concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Paul Makanza, CTI Immediate Past Chairman, who summarized the key discussions and expressed appreciation to participants for their active engagement and contributions.
More Than Dialogue: The Spirit of Iftar
Beyond policy discussions, the evening transitioned into an Executive Iftar, reflecting the spirit of Ramadan, unity, reflection, and togetherness.
Leaders from Government and industry shared a moment of connection beyond boardrooms, reinforcing relationships that drive progress.
Industry Meets Government: CTI Hosts High-Level Alignment & Iftar Networking Session 2026