The government has announced its commitment to continue efforts aimed at enhancing the horticulture sector as a vital engine for economic transformation, job creation, income generation, and export sales.
This statement was made today, November 12, 2025, in Dar es Salaam by the Secretary General of the Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Jim Yonazi, on behalf of the Chief Secretary, during the opening of the Horticulture Business and Investment Summit (HoBIS2025).
Dr. Yonazi highlighted that over the past five years, the government has implemented significant structural and policy reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and boosting the international competitiveness of horticultural products.
He pointed out that the establishment of the Crop and Mixed Products Regulatory Authority (COPRA) is among the measures that have facilitated the management and development of this sector.
" The government has enhanced tax and trade policies, strengthened the Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), and developed essential infrastructure such as irrigation systems, cold storage facilities, quality inspection centers, along with improvements at the country’s airports and major ports, which have collectively increased the efficiency of production and transportation of horticultural products to international markets." he added.
Discussing the relationship between this sector and national plans, Dr. Yonazi stated that these efforts align with the Agricultural Master Plan 2050 and the Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III), where horticulture has been prioritized as a catalyst for job creation and the growth of agro-processing industries. He urged stakeholders in the sector to actively collaborate in enhancing product quality and adhering to international standards so that Tanzania can compete globally based on quality and reliability, not just price.
"The global market is changing rapidly. We must be innovative, quality-driven, and trustworthy," he emphasized. Regarding future plans, he mentioned that the government will continue to invest in irrigation infrastructure, domestic markets, ports, and airports. Additionally, the government, through the President's Tax Reform Commission, is working to improve financial policies to strengthen investment and the ease of conducting business in the agricultural sector is remarkable.
He concluded by stating, "HoBIS2025 is not just a discussion platform, but a platform for implementation, and the government is ready to oversee its outcomes." On his part, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Gerald Mweli, noted that the horticulture sector has experienced significant growth over the past 20 years, with production increasing from 1.1 million tons in 2003/04 to 8.4 million tons in 2024, and export revenues rising from 64 million US dollars to 569 million.
He said that these achievements are a result of robust government policies, strategic investments, and close collaboration between the private sector and development partners.
Furthermore, he urged all stakeholders to utilize HoBIS 2025 as a platform for developing joint strategies that will ensure the horticulture sector becomes a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development for all Tanzanians while, the Executive Director of the Tanzania Horticultural Farmers Association (TAHA), Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, said that the meeting serves as a vital platform for building partnerships, exchanging skills, and identifying investment opportunities that will enhance the competitiveness of the sector.
The horticulture sector is a vital opportunity aiming to expand market , employment and economic opportunities for Tanzanians.