DAR ES SALAAM — Tanzania’s proposed 2026 National Investment Policy could reshape how the country attracts capital and supports businesses, with the government seeking public and private-sector input on a framework intended to replace the policy introduced in 1996.
The review is aligned with Development Vision 2050, under which the private sector is expected to account for 70 percent of the investment required to achieve national development targets.
The government says the new framework is intended to improve the business environment, expand access to capital and clarify the roles of public and private investors. Consultations have also highlighted barriers affecting businesses that struggle to access finance, technology, markets and expertise.
One of the central challenges is the gap between informal economic activity and businesses that have the records and structures required to access formal financing.
Tanzania Bankers Association chief executive Tusekelege Joune has said that formalisation can help small and medium-sized enterprises improve their access to credit. Reliable business records and electronic payment histories can help financial institutions assess income, transactions and repayment capacity when considering loan applications.
The Tanzania National Chamber of Commerce has also called for attention to access to capital and land, alongside stronger participation by domestic investors and local companies in opportunities created by investment projects.
For Tanzanian businesses, the impact of the policy will depend on how these priorities translate into practice. Clearer procedures, predictable rules and easier access to finance could help enterprises invest, hire workers and expand into new markets.
Local participation is another important consideration. Large investments can generate wider benefits when Tanzanian suppliers, service providers and manufacturers have a realistic opportunity to compete for contracts and become part of supply chains.
However, encouraging domestic participation does not require excluding foreign investors. The policy challenge is to attract capital and expertise while ensuring that local firms can build the capabilities needed to participate in the resulting economic activity.
The public consultation offers businesses an opportunity to identify the obstacles they face, including financing constraints, land access, administrative burdens and difficulties meeting large buyers’ requirements.
Ultimately, the success of the new policy will be measured not only by the amount of investment registered, but also by whether it supports productive businesses, creates employment and expands opportunities for Tanzanian companies.
As the country looks towards 2050, a stronger investment framework could help connect national development ambitions with the practical conditions businesses need to grow.
