Kibaha, Pwani Region – The Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), in collaboration with the Office of the Regional Commissioner of the Coast Region, successfully convened a high-level Public–Private Dialogue (PPD), bringing together government leaders, regulatory authorities, and key industrial players to strengthen cooperation, address shared challenges, and discuss a way forward for sustainable industrial development in the region. This meeting was sponsored by our partners, Danish Industry East Africa (DI).
Investors and stakeholders are listening attentively to the discussions going on during the PPD.
The event, held on November 27, 2025, at the Office of the Regional Commissioner of the Coast Region, attracted stakeholders from across the manufacturing sector, including representatives from TNBC, TISEZA, STAMICO, and other investors committed to boosting economic growth in the Coast Region. The dialogue underscores the strategic importance of engaging both public and private sectors in driving Tanzania’s industrial transformation.
A Strategic Location for Industrial Growth
In his keynote speech, CTI Executive Director Eng. Leodegar Tenga expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Regional Commissioner and the government for facilitating the dialogue. He emphasized the strategic advantages of Pwani Region, notably its proximity to Dar es Salaam Port, robust transport infrastructure, and thriving industrial base, which position it as a key hub for manufacturing and trade.
Eng. Leodegar Tenga addressing manufacturers and stakeholders during the PPD.
Eng. Tenga highlighted that industries in the region play a vital role in contributing to national GDP, job creation, export growth, and technology transfer. However, he underscored the need for deeper public-private collaboration to unlock the region’s potential fully. With improved policy frameworks and targeted support from regulatory authorities, local manufacturers can better compete in domestic and international markets.
CTI’s Role: Advocacy, Policy Reform, and Industry Representation
Representing Tanzania’s industrial sector, CTI continues to advocate for policies that enhance competitiveness and strengthen the business environment. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and sustained dialogue with government entities, CTI has recorded notable wins for its members, particularly in tax and regulatory reform. Among the achievements highlighted by Eng. Tenga were:
• Reduction in Electronic Tax Stamp (ETS) costs; eased financial burden for manufacturers.
• Removal of container loading and offloading levies, a decision that CTI welcomed as a critical relief for logistics costs.
• Lower fees for fire safety training and radioactivity inspection services, reducing compliance costs.
These wins reinforce CTI’s commitment to promoting a fair, predictable, and investor-friendly industrial ecosystem.
Infrastructure and Regional Integration
Eng. Tenga also lauded ongoing national infrastructure developments, such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), port expansion initiatives, and energy projects, for strengthening industrial logistics and market access. Such improvements bolster investor confidence and enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness within regional markets, including under the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Addressing Persistent Challenges
Despite progress, CTI acknowledged that several challenges continue to constrain industrial productivity and growth:
• High operational costs for manufacturers
• Unreliable electricity supply
• Regulatory bottlenecks and overlapping fees
• Proliferation of counterfeit products
Eng. Tenga reiterated CTI’s commitment to working with government and regulatory agencies to develop actionable solutions. He noted that inputs from the PPD will be included in a formal report outlining priority actions for relevant authorities.
Building Trust and Long-Term Partnerships
CTI’s Executive Director stressed that the dialogue is not merely a one-off event, but the beginning of a deeper monitoring and implementation process to ensure that commitments translate into tangible improvements. CTI stands ready to coordinate follow-up actions, aligning public interventions with private sector feedback and expectations.
The event also strengthened relations with key regulators, including TBS, NEMC, OSHA, TANESCO, TRA, and TAEC entities, whose cooperation is essential for an enabling environment for manufacturers.
Conclusion: Unity for Industrial Advancement
In concluding his remarks, Eng. Tenga reiterated that the growth of Tanzania’s industrial sector hinges on sustained unity, active dialogue, and mutual respect between the public and private sectors. By transforming challenges into opportunities and aligning policy with business realities, CTI believes that Pwani, and Tanzania as a whole can achieve resilient industrial growth, create jobs, and boost national prosperity.
“Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities, and policies into positive outcomes that strengthen Tanzania’s industrial landscape,” Eng. Tenga affirmed.
Public-Private Dialogue in Pwani: CTI Champions Sustainable Industrial Growth Through Collaboration