Exporting Processing Zones

Following the enactment of the Export Processing Zones Act in April 2002, the government has adopted the concept as a policy option for export oriented industrialisation and economic development. This move is expected to increase employment opportunities, easing the process of technology Transfer and improve Tanzania’s economic growth through export-oriented investments.

The Act gives the export processing zones authority (EPZA) the mandate to facilitate and oversee the implementation of the programme throughout the country and already nine centres have been earmarked for the establishment of EPZs. These locations are: Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Moshi, Arusha, Bukoba, Mwanza, Kigoma, Isaka and Mtwara. These locations have been established under the Gateway Concept, meaning that these centres are linked to international trade routes such as airport, inland dry port such as Isaka, main rail or road routes or ocean and inland marine ports.

In order to attract serious investors into EPZs and realise maximum return from these measures, the government is striving to provide all essential requirements such as streamlined operational procedures, goods infrastructure such as rails roads and air transport, reliable availability and reasonable priced utilities such as water and electricity.

Numerous positives responses from both local and international prospective investors have been obtained and it is hoped that the establishment of EPZs will stimulates investments in the industrial sector hence bringing in capital to take advantage and thus stir economic development.