Tanzania is positioning itself as a link for Russian investors seeking access to East and Southern African markets, according to the Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), Gilead Teri.
Speaking during an interview at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Russia, Teri said economic and trade relations between Tanzania and Russia have grown considerably over the past few years.
He noted that Russian companies have already invested in several sectors of Tanzania’s economy.
“Russian businesses have invested in tourism, in logistics, in manufacturing, and also in mining in Tanzania. And we are very proud of the contribution of Russian enterprises in Tanzania. But we have also had growth in investment and trade between our two countries. Before, in 2021, it was around US$100 million a year. Now trade between Russia and Tanzania is around US$450 to US$500 million every year,” he said.
Teri explained that Tanzania’s Special Economic Zones are expected to play an important role in attracting additional Russian investors. These zones offer a favorable business environment and provide companies with opportunities to establish production facilities while serving both local and regional markets.
He emphasized that Tanzania’s strategic location allows investors to access not only the domestic market but also neighboring countries across East and Southern Africa, making the country an attractive regional hub.
The TISEZA chief also highlighted government efforts to improve the investment climate. Recent reforms have simplified company registration procedures, reduced approval timelines, and created a more investor-friendly environment. Investors can also benefit from readily available industrial land, fast-tracked construction permits, and opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and port development.
Tourism remains another major area of cooperation between Tanzania and Russia. Teri said the islands of Zanzibar continue to attract a growing number of Russian visitors, with approximately 100,000 tourists from Russia visiting the destination each year.
He further revealed that direct flights linking Moscow with Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are expected to begin before the end of the year. The new routes are anticipated to strengthen tourism, trade, and business cooperation between the two countries.
According to Teri, Tanzania’s investment incentives, strategic geographic position, and expanding transport connectivity make the country increasingly attractive to Russian companies looking to expand their presence across Africa.
