1. Introduction
The Tanzania–India Business Forum 2025 marked a historic milestone in the evolving economic partnership between the Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of India. Hosted in the capital city of Dar es Salaam, this high-level forum served as a platform to bring together leading voices from both nations—policy makers, regulatory bodies, business chambers, financial institutions, and private sector enterprises.
This initiative was jointly spearheaded by MARS and FISMETC, with support from Tanzanian institutions including the Tanzania Investment and Economic Zone Authority (TISEZA), the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), and the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA).
The primary focus of the forum was to build robust investment bridges across key sectors including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, financial services, infrastructure development, and SME collaborations. With the participation of Indian industry leaders and a wide array of Tanzanian stakeholders, the forum successfully fostered a spirit of cooperation and future-oriented engagement.
2. Inaugural Session and Opening Remarks
The forum commenced with a warm welcome to all distinguished guests and delegates. Opening remarks by the Director General of TISEZA highlighted Tanzania’s readiness to deepen economic ties with India and the strategic relevance of Indian technology and entrepreneurship.
The Founder of MARS presented the Indian delegation’s vision, stressing India’s capacity in affordable pharmaceuticals and its growing role in global SME ecosystems.
The President of FISMETC, Mr. Khushwinder Singh ji, emphasized SME-to-SME linkages, cross-border facilitation, and institutional partnerships.
H.E. Anisa Kapufi Mbega, the Ambassador of Tanzania to India, encouraged tangible follow-up actions, while Hon. Exaud Kigahe (MP), Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, positioned Tanzania as a regional gateway and invited Indian investors to contribute to its industrial roadmap.
3. Thematic Presentations and Sector Insights
TISEZA presented a comprehensive overview of Tanzania’s investment environment, legal reforms, and economic zones.
The Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), TPSF, and TCCIA jointly introduced Tanzania’s PPP models and sector-specific opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, manufacturing, and digital innovation.
TMDA delivered a sectoral presentation on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, encouraging Indian firms to establish manufacturing bases or joint ventures to meet domestic and regional healthcare needs.
4. Indian Industry Showcase: Pharmaceuticals & Health
A focused segment, “Pharma Sector Focus – Roadshow & Catalogue Display”, featured a dozen+ Indian pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers showcasing product catalogues and solutions.
Tanzanian hospital representatives, regulators, and procurement officers engaged with Indian suppliers. Discussions were initiated on distributorships, tech transfer, and future site visits.
5. Financial Services Presentation
Azania Bank presented financial instruments for foreign investors and local businesses—focusing on trade finance, SME loans, and joint investment platforms.
They expressed readiness to support Indo-Tanzanian commercial ties through tailored banking solutions.
6. Dialogue and Engagement
A Q&A session addressed practical concerns such as import protocols, IP protection, compliance, and workforce development.
This ensured Indian delegates gained actionable knowledge to support informed decision-making.
7. Networking and Bilateral Meetings
Dedicated B2B and B2G meetings enabled direct interaction between Indian delegates and Tanzanian companies, government agencies, and institutions.
Key topics included:
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging
- Diagnostic equipment and medical devices
- Financial services and credit lines
- Technology-based SME development
- Agro-processing and supply chain integration
Preliminary MoUs and partnership intents were discussed, laying a strong foundation for future business.
8. Closing Ceremony and Vote of Thanks
Mr. Ezekiel Kahatano of TCCIA delivered the vote of thanks, highlighting the importance of follow-through and collaborative momentum post-forum.
A call was made for the formation of a joint working group to continue the dialogue and translate it into actionable outcomes.
9. Informal Interactions and Networking Lunch
Delegates continued engagement during a networking lunch, fostering personal connections and deepening potential collaborations.
Strategic Business Engagement at the Medical Stores Department (MSD), Dar es Salaam
Date: 17th July 2025
Location: MSD Headquarters, Keko, Dar es Salaam
The Indian delegation’s visit to the Medical Stores Department (MSD) was a significant step toward enhancing Indo-Tanzanian healthcare collaboration. The MSD leadership welcomed the delegation and presented an in-depth overview of Tanzania’s public procurement system.
Mr. Hassan of MSD detailed the procurement cycle and international supplier eligibility. Representatives from PPRA, TMDA, and TBS explained regulatory pathways for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and medical devices.
Indian delegates, represented by DD Pharmaceuticals, showcased India’s capabilities in affordable healthcare manufacturing. The session concluded with a Q&A and mutual exchange of ideas for partnerships, supply chain integration, and public health logistics.
Zanzibar–India Business & Investment Forum
Date: 18th July 2025
Location: New Amaan Hotel, Zanzibar
In continuation of the mission, the Indian delegation participated in the India–Zanzibar Business & Investment Forum in collaboration with ZIPA.
Mr. Saleh Saad Mohamed, Executive Director of ZIPA, welcomed the delegates and showcased Zanzibar’s investment sectors—tourism, renewable energy, agro-processing, education, and light manufacturing.
H.E. Anisa Kapufi Mbega reinforced the cultural and commercial bonds between India and Zanzibar and encouraged investors to view Zanzibar as a stable, growth-oriented region.
Ms. Rekha Sharma, Director of MARS, articulated India’s strengths and reaffirmed MARS’s support for facilitating bilateral projects.
Keynote remarks from the Minister of State emphasized recent economic reforms and opened doors to FDIs. Presentations from both ZIPA and MARS focused on joint ventures, export-import linkages, and knowledge sharing.
The forum concluded with productive B2B and B2G discussions over lunch, exploring opportunities in healthcare, vocational training, IT, and Ayurveda.
In addition to the business sessions, delegates had a delightful cultural experience in Zanzibar. They enjoyed a scenic day of snorkeling and dolphin watching in the island’s pristine blue waters. The group also visited the historic Slave Market site in Stone Town, a deeply moving monument that narrates Zanzibar’s role in the East African slave trade and its eventual abolition. The tour of Stone Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—offered a glimpse into the island’s rich history, Swahili culture, and architectural fusion of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.
Conclusion
The Tanzania–India Business Forum 2025 and the extended delegation engagements in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar represent a significant leap forward in Indo-Tanzanian economic diplomacy.
The events served as powerful platforms for sectoral deep dives, institutional connectivity, and relationship-building across pharmaceuticals, healthcare, financial services, technology, and agro-industries.
MARS, alongside its institutional and private-sector partners, ensured seamless execution and meaningful dialogue throughout the mission. The delegation returned with actionable leads, MoU commitments, and a reinforced commitment to shared prosperity.
These engagements have laid the groundwork for long-term partnerships and offer a replicable model for future bilateral collaboration. The momentum generated must now be sustained through consistent follow-up, structured cooperation, and dedicated facilitation from both Indian and Tanzanian stakeholders.
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