The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, attended the Doha International Horticulture Expo 2023 in Qatar, which is set to run from October 2, 2023, to March 28, 2024. This visit is part of President Samia Suluhu’s ongoing efforts to open up Tanzania to economic diplomacy, fostering opportunities for local producers and attracting more foreign investors.

For Tanzanian fruit and vegetable farmers, this is a significant opportunity as the expo gathers investors, traders, and institutions from over 80 countries worldwide. It offers substantial prospects for accessing new markets for their produce.

President Samia Suluhu’s visit aims to explore further and expand domestic farmers’ access to international markets. Notably, in November 2022, Tanzanian farmers secured the ability to sell their products in international markets without hindrance after establishing an institution that certifies the quality of produce for global markets. Furthermore, the cost of obtaining this certification has been reduced from USD 6,500 to USD 3,000 and from USD 7,000 to USD 3,500.

Through Greencert Limited, a company established by the Tanzania Horticulture Association (TAHA) and various donors from the agricultural sector, Tanzanian farmers will be able to ensure the required quality standards for the international market. These efforts reflect President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to enhancing the crucial fruit and vegetable sector, significantly contributing to the national economy.

President Samia Suluhu’s initiatives in the fruit and vegetable sector have already yielded substantial benefits. For instance, after her visit in November 2022, Tanzanian avocados gained access to the Chinese market for the first time. By 2026, Tanzania aims to export avocados worth USD 96 million to China. Currently, Tanzania produces 47,000 tons of avocados, of which 12,000 tons are exported.

President Samia Suluhu’s presence in Qatar is aligned with the goals of her government. Tanzania’s government under her leadership aims to strengthen the fruit and vegetable sector to increase its contribution to the national income. Collaborating with various stakeholders, the government intends to grow the fruit and vegetable industry from its current USD 780 million in profits to USD 2 billion by 2030.