DAR ES SALAAM — Tanzania’s export earnings rose by about 22 per cent to US$17.2 billion in the year ending July, with gold, manufactured products and transportation services providing much of the increase.
The latest figures from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) show that selected export categories generated approximately US$14.1 billion during the comparable period in 2025, highlighting a broader expansion in foreign-exchange generating activities.
Gold remained Tanzania’s largest export earner, with receipts increasing 37.4 per cent to US$5.67 billion, up from US$4.13 billion a year earlier.
Manufacturing recorded an even faster rate of growth. Export earnings from manufactured goods climbed approximately 46 per cent to US$2.22 billion, compared with US$1.52 billion previously.
The increase in manufactured exports is significant for businesses and investors because greater domestic processing can allow Tanzania to capture more value before products reach international markets.
Transportation also strengthened, with export earnings from the sector rising 26.1 per cent to US$3.22 billion, from US$2.56 billion.
Meanwhile, tourism continued to provide a major source of foreign currency. Travel receipts reached US$4.29 billion, compared with US$4.23 billion in the previous period.
Other agricultural exports also recorded gains. Tobacco earnings rose to US$588.6 million, while coffee increased to US$396 million.
The performance was less consistent across agricultural commodities, however. Cashew earnings declined to US$479.3 million from US$527.6 million, while edible vegetables fell to US$339.9 million from US$369.3 million.
The differing results point to the importance of strengthening productivity, processing capacity and access to international markets, particularly for agricultural businesses exposed to changes in production and global prices.
For Tanzania’s private sector, the growing contribution from manufacturing is particularly relevant. Continued investment in processing and industrial capacity could increase the amount of value retained within the domestic economy while creating additional opportunities across production, logistics and related services.
The stronger performance of minerals, manufacturing and transportation also indicates a gradual broadening of Tanzania’s foreign-exchange base beyond traditional agricultural exports.
The latest figures therefore provide a mixed but broader picture of the export sector: while gold remains the dominant source of earnings, manufacturing is emerging as an increasingly important contributor to Tanzania’s external revenues.