By Business Insider Reporter
In a bold move to cement its place as East Africa’s next investment frontier, Tanzania has ushered in a new era of investment management through the creation of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA).
Formed under the Investment and Special Economic Zones Act No. 6 of 2025, TISEZA unifies the country’s two key investment arms – the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) — into one efficient institution. This reform is reshaping the country’s investment ecosystem, signalling to global and local investors alike that Tanzania means business.
A single gateway for investors
Operating under the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), TISEZA now serves as Tanzania’s One Stop Facilitation Centre (OSFC) – a central hub that brings together every service an investor needs under one roof. From project registration to licensing and tax incentives, the process has been simplified and digitised, cutting bureaucracy and ensuring that investors can start operations in as little as seven working days.
“Our focus is on speed, coordination, and investor confidence,” a senior TISEZA official said during a recent editors’ briefing in Dodoma. “By integrating TIC and EPZA, we’ve created a seamless system that attracts capital, supports technology transfer, and creates jobs for Tanzanians.”
Winning global recognition
TISEZA’s integrated approach is already paying off. In 2024, Tanzania won the WAIPA Special LDC Award for excellence in the use of ICT to support investment facilitation – a nod to the government’s embrace of digital transformation and transparency in investment processes.
The Authority’s success has also been reflected in growing investor interest across key industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mining, and tourism. Officials say inquiries and project registrations have surged since the reforms were announced.
The power of competitive incentives
One of TISEZA’s strongest selling points is its attractive incentive framework – a blend of tax and non-tax benefits that rival some of Africa’s most investor-friendly economies.
For Export Processing Zones (EPZ) and Special Economic Zones (SEZ), investors enjoy:
- 10-year corporate tax holidays – Exemption from customs duty, VAT, and withholding tax on imported raw materials and capital goods
- Freedom to repatriate profits without restriction
- Fast-tracked customs clearance at production sites
- Access to expatriate labour during project implementation
Beyond tax breaks, TISEZA guarantees secure access to industrial land for up to 98 years, streamlined dispute resolution under international conventions, and partnership opportunities with local enterprises.
Building the future: Tanzania’s industrial zones
To attract large-scale manufacturing and export-oriented industries, TISEZA is developing ten Special Economic Zones (SEZs) strategically positioned across the country.
These zones are designed to leverage Tanzania’s growing infrastructure and regional trade networks.
Highlights include:
- Bagamoyo Eco Maritime City (BEMC): A 151-hectare hub for marine industries, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, located 45km from Dar es Salaam and adjacent to the upcoming Bagamoyo Port.
- Kwala SEZ (Kibaha): Strategically positioned near the Kwala Dry Port and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), this 100-hectare park targets agro-processing, vehicle assembly, and renewable energy.
- Nala SEZ (Dodoma): A 607-hectare industrial zone near the capital city – a logistics and manufacturing hub connected to major transport arteries.
- Buzwagi SEZ (Shinyanga): Built on the site of a former gold mine, the 1,333-hectare zone has its own airstrip, power substation, and water reserve, making it ideal for mineral beneficiation and industrial diversification.
- Benjamin William Mkapa SEZ (Dar es Salaam): Currently expanding to host a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) export support centre focused on machinery and raw material sourcing.
These zones are more than industrial parks – they are trade gateways, connecting Tanzania to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and COMESA markets.
Ease of doing business: A modern approach
TISEZA’s digital-first investment portal allows investors to apply, register, and track their projects online. The Authority also assists with land acquisition, environmental certification, and partnerships with local companies.
This approach supports the government’s ambition to create a private sector-led industrial economy, one that aligns with Vision 2050 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Sectoral priorities: Where the smart money goes
TISEZA has identified several high-growth sectors that align with Tanzania’s long-term development goals:
- Agro-processing and value addition
- Mining, gas, and renewable energy
- Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
- Textiles, leather, and footwear
- Tourism and hospitality
- ICT and green technologies
Investments in these areas benefit from strong policy backing, growing domestic demand, and access to expanding export markets across Africa.
Partnering with the media for a positive narrative
During a media seminar in October 2025, TISEZA called upon journalists to become partners in building Tanzania’s investment story. The Authority urged editors to highlight success stories, showcase investor experiences, and promote the country’s image as a stable, fast-growing destination for capital and innovation.
“Tanzania is no longer just an emerging market – it’s an emerging opportunity,” one editor remarked after the seminar.
A catalyst for industrial transformation
The establishment of TISEZA represents one of Tanzania’s most significant institutional reforms in recent years. By unifying investment management, enhancing transparency, and providing investor-friendly incentives, the Authority has positioned Tanzania as one of the most competitive investment destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
With strong political will, digital transformation, and expanding industrial zones, TISEZA is helping to turn Tanzania’s economic potential into real, measurable progress.
As global investors search for stable, high-return markets, Tanzania – through TISEZA – is ready to deliver. “Invest in Tanzania,” reads the agency’s slogan. But for TISEZA, it’s more than an invitation – it’s a promise backed by policy, infrastructure, and ambition.
