Trade Between Tanzania and Turkey is Greatly Expanding.

Posted on : Tuesday , 9th September 2025

Turkish exports accounted for 217 million US dollars of the 284 million US dollars in commerce between Tanzania and Turkey last year, indicating both a trade deficit and a growing economic partnership between the two nations.

As part of strategic efforts to strengthen trade and industrial cooperation between the two nations, the figures were revealed in Dar es Salaam during the Turkiye–Tanzania Steel Trade Delegation, a high-level business forum organized by the Turkish Steel Exporters’ Association in collaboration with the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (TCCIA).

The platform presents a strategic chance for both nations to turn their common industrial growth objective into tangible partnerships, especially in the steel industry, according to TCCIA Vice-President Boniface Ndengo.

He emphasized that continuous infrastructure projects are fueling a rise in demand for premium steel goods, pointing out that steel is essential to industrialization and supports vital industries like manufacturing, energy, transportation, and construction.

“The platform offers a strategic opportunity to turn our shared vision for industrial growth into practical partnerships, especially in the steel sector,” Mr. Ndengo stated.

According to Mr. Ndengo, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), hydropower facilities, port modernization, and urban housing developments are some of the main factors contributing to Tanzania's growing steel demand.

The conference, he emphasized, was more than just a networking opportunity; it was a strategic link between Tanzania's development goals and Turkish industrial know-how.

He emphasized that a major element in luring foreign direct investment to Tanzania is its macroeconomic stability.

The government's commitment to equitable and sustainable growth is reflected in these solid foundations. Long-term commercial collaborations are now more likely thanks to recent regulatory changes that have improved industrial development, transparency, and investor protection, Mr. Ndengo added.

Turkiye shipped 40,000 tons of steel to Tanzania in 2024, according to Ugur Dalbeler, Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Steel Exporters' Association, highlighting the potential of the steel industry.

As evidence of the sector's ongoing expansion, 19,400 tonnes have already been exported in the first seven months of 2025 alone.The 36-member visiting group, which includes representatives from 16 Turkish businesses, is dedicated to establishing long-term business and investment relationships in Tanzania, Dalbeler added.

Forecasts indicate that the economy would grow by 6.0 percent this year, up from 5.5% last year.  At about 3.1%, inflation is still low and steady, and foreign exchange reserves are enough to fund imports for more than five months.

He pointed out that steel made up a sizable portion of the nation's 16.6 billion US dollars in imports last year, indicating unrealized market potential.

He emphasized the significance of bolstering local value chains through investment and technology transfer to promote Tanzania's industrialization and job creation, saying, "Through this B2B session, we aim to explore dealership opportunities, distributorships, and even joint production ventures."

Dr. Bekir Gezer, the Turkish ambassador to Tanzania, reiterated Turkey's willingness to assist Tanzania's development initiatives.