Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s horticultural industry is set to benefit significantly following the launch of direct cargo flights between Dar es Salaam and Guangzhou, China.
The inaugural flight, operated by Air Tanzania on January 12, 2025, marks a major step in strengthening trade ties and providing local exporters with a faster, more efficient way to reach the lucrative Chinese market.
The Boeing 767 freighter, with a capacity of 54 tonnes, is designed for long-haul transport and can fly up to 10 hours without refueling. This makes it an ideal solution for Tanzania’s fresh produce exporters, who have long struggled with logistical challenges when shipping goods to international markets.
Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO of the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), described the launch of the service as a game changer for the industry. “This freighter opens up enormous opportunities for horticultural exporters. It connects them directly to China, a market that is competitive and eager for fresh produce,” she said.
She encouraged farmers and exporters to take full advantage of the new route, citing the competitive cargo rates and increased reliability. “This is an opportunity for our industry to expand. With direct access to China, we can increase exports, earn more revenue, and strengthen Tanzania’s presence in global markets,” she added.
The introduction of direct cargo flights aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader efforts to boost agricultural exports. During her state visit to China, she secured a trade agreement allowing Tanzanian-grown avocados to enter the Chinese market, a deal valued at $174 million. This move is part of a larger strategy to transform the horticultural sector into a key driver of economic growth, often referred to as Tanzania’s ‘green gold.’
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Before the launch of this service, many exporters faced logistical hurdles, relying on indirect and often costly routes that affected delivery time and produce quality. The new flights are expected to reduce delays and ensure that fresh goods arrive in optimal condition, helping Tanzania’s horticulture industry remain competitive on the international stage.
With demand for fresh produce increasing worldwide, the ability to transport goods directly to China is expected to create new business opportunities, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and solidify Tanzania’s position as a major agricultural exporter.
For many in the horticultural sector, this direct cargo link is not just a logistical upgrade—it’s a gateway to new opportunities and economic prosperity.
