Event Report: Tanzania Investment Seminar

UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, in cooperation with the Embassy of Tanzania in Tokyo and Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), held the “Tanzania Investment Seminar” on 3 June 2025 in light of the visit of Mr. Gilead Teri, Executive Director of TIC, to Japan as with last year. During the seminar, updated information on Tanzania’s investment climate and current investment needs were introduced to approximately 120 participants interested in business and investment opportunities in Tanzania.

At the beginning of the seminar, Ms. Fumio Adachi, Head of UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, introduced UNIDO ITPO Tokyo’s ongoing efforts in disseminating business information related to Tanzania and supporting Japanese companies. H.E. Baraka H. Luvanda, Ambassador of Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania, also remarked that this seminar is recognized as a TICAD 9 Partner Project. Following these remarks, Mr. Yasuhiro Hashimoto, Principal Deputy Director of Affrica Office, Trade Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), introduced METI’s support measures for Japanese companies in expanding their business in Africa.

After that, Mr. Gilead Teri, Executive Director of Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) noted that Tanzania is not only a huge market but also a promising investment destination as a hub for East Africa, with well-developed infrastructures such as high-speed rail. Ms. Diana Mwamanga, who is in charge of Japan desk at TIC, introduced a range of investments available in Tanzania. Mr. Teri continued his presentation and introduced the delegates, including representatives from the Tea Board, Ministry of Agriculture, Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC), and the fisheries corporation. He encouraged participants to take full advantage of this opportunity to exchange with them.

Following the TIC’s presentation, two Japanese companies currently doing business in Tanzania speak about the attractions and challenges of doing business in Tanzania. Mr. Naoki Sato from Business Development Center & Africa Business Development Office of TOPPAN Digital Inc. introduced their project in collaboration with local partners, including smart agriculture, beekeeping with IoT, school feeding support programs, and blue carbon credit projects. Mr. Satoshi Akita, CEO of WASSHA Inc., which provides LED lantern rental services to non-electrified areas in Africa through kiosks (local retail stores) spoke about his business model, that operates across five African countries, including Tanzania, and initiatives carried out in collaboration with Japanese companies.

Finally, Mr. Williard Kaaya, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo’s advisor in Tanzania, who took up this post last February, introduced how he supports Japanese companies’ businesses.

In the Q&A session, questions were raised regarding investment opportunities in the insurance and medical sectors, the background behind Japanese companies started their business in Tanzania, and the current state of the electronics sector in Tanzania.

Upon the successful conclusion of the seminar, Ngorongoro Coffee was served by OS Trading & Investment Ptg. Ltd. (OSTI), which runs the largest coffee plantation in Africa by a Japanese corporation, and the panelists and participants engaged in lively exchanges in the networking session.

Programme

14:30 Open registration

15:00-15:05 Welcome Remarks
Ms. Fumio Adachi, Head, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo

15:05-15:10   Opening Remarks
                            H.E. Mr. Baraka H. Luvanda, Ambassador
                            Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania

15:10-15:15          Guest Remarks
                            Mr. Hashimoto Yasuhiro, Principal Deputy Director
                            Africa Office, Trade Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

15:15-15:30 Investment Climate and Opportunities in Tanzania
Mr. Gilead Teri, Executive Director, Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC)

15:30-15:50 TOPPAN Group Tanzania Business
Mr. Nobuhiro Iizuka, Executive Officer
Business Development Center & Africa Business Development Office
Mr. Naoki Sato, Business Development Center & Africa Business Development Office
TOPPAN Digital Inc.