In brief
Tanzania announced a 36‑company delegation to the China International Import Expo (CIIE) scheduled for Nov. 5‑10 in Shanghai. The delegation will showcase products such as coffee, tea and honey, and seeks to benefit from China’s zero‑tariff policy for African trade. Additional details note China’s imports from Tanzania rose 12 % to $290 million in the first half of 2026 and that 15 agricultural categories have cleared the Chinese market gateway.
Tanzania announced on Nov. 1 that 36 enterprises and government institutions will travel to Shanghai for the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) from Nov. 5 to 10, a move aimed at expanding exports and securing new market opportunities for African products.
The delegation was unveiled at a farewell ceremony hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Dar es Salaam, where exhibitors displayed items such as coffee, tea and honey, according to Xinhua.
Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Dennis Londo said the expo presents an important platform for showcasing Tanzanian goods, establishing partnerships and attracting investors from China and other international markets. He urged exhibitors to engage actively with potential buyers and understand Chinese market requirements.
Jonathan Nkwabi, Director of Trade Promotion at the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), noted that the selection of 36 public and private companies represents a coordinated effort to promote Tanzanian products abroad.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian highlighted China’s zero‑tariff preference for African countries maintaining diplomatic relations and reported that imports from Tanzania hit $290 million in the first half of 2026, a 12 % year‑on‑year increase. She also noted that the first consignment of Tanzanian honey entered China via a dedicated green channel for African agricultural products, and that 15 agricultural categories have been granted market access.
Cathy Wang, managing director of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center, said Tanzania’s participation grew from six enterprises in 2021 to 36 entities this year, reflecting heightened local interest in the Chinese market.
Wang’s organization is working with TanTrade to assist exhibitors in meeting Chinese partner expectations, underscoring the strategic collaboration between Tanzania and China at the upcoming expo.
