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The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a directive to the Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (TIDRO) to ensure that by the time of the 2025 general elections, the exact number of industries in the country is known and accurately documented. This mandate underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing industrial data accuracy and promoting informed decision-making in the sector.
During a recent visit to TIDRO’s facilities in Dar es Salaam, Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr. Selemani Jafo, emphasized the importance of this task. He highlighted President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s confidence in TIDRO, noting that while other organizations faced restructuring, TIDRO’s strategic role in industrial development safeguarded its operational integrity. Dr. Jafo urged TIDRO staff to be proactive, suggesting that they actively engage in field visits across all regions of Tanzania to gather comprehensive industrial data.
The directive aligns with Tanzania’s broader industrialization goals, aiming to transform the country into a semi-industrialized nation by 2025. The manufacturing sector, which contributed 23.2% to Tanzania’s GDP in 2022, is a key driver of this vision. The sector’s growth has been propelled by diverse industries, including food processing, textiles, chemicals, and construction materials, reflecting the country’s expanding industrial capabilities
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Minister Jafo’s visit also underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to support industrial growth through policy reforms and infrastructural investments. The Sustainable Industrial Development Policy (SIDP) initiated in 1996 remains a cornerstone of Tanzania’s strategy to phase out direct government involvement in production activities, paving the way for private sector engagement. By achieving a 40% contribution to GDP from manufacturing by 2025, Tanzania aims to establish a robust industrial base that can generate sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty
In light of these ambitious targets, TIDRO’s role in ensuring accurate industrial data collection becomes even more critical. The organization’s efforts will not only facilitate better policy formulation but also attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) necessary for the desired industrial transformation. With initiatives like the Tanzania Electronic Investment Window (TeIW) and the new Tanzania Investment Act, the government is streamlining processes to enhance the business environment and protect investor interests
The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s directive to TIDRO marks a significant step in this direction, reinforcing the importance of data-driven industrial development.
