Tanzania unveils huge opportunities in maize, edible oils, avocado

KIGALI, Rwanda: Tanzania has unveiled a raft of investment opportunities in maize, edible oils and avocado, as the country steps up efforts to transform its agriculture and food systems and attract private capital. The opportunities were presented during the Tanzania Deal Room at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2026 in Kigali, where government officials called on investors and strategic partners to tap into the country’s growing agricultural potential. Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Hon.

David Ernest Silinde, identified the three value chains as priority areas with strong potential for investment. “Maize, edible oils and avocado are major opportunities for investors, and an enabling investment environment has been created around these value chains,” Mr Silinde said. Presenting Tanzania’s agricultural investment proposition, Prof.

Peter Msofe, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, outlined the scale of opportunities facing investors. Tanzania produced 11.93 million tonnes of maize in 2025/26, recording a 154 per cent self-sufficiency ratio and a surplus of more than four million tonnes. In edible oils, the country faces a supply gap of about 426,068 tonnes, creating opportunities for investment in production, processing and value addition.

The avocado industry is also expanding, with Tanzania producing about 201,354 tonnes and avocado exports reaching 26,826 tonnes, valued at approximately US$77.3 million. “Tanzania has the production base and significant opportunities for investment across these value chains,” Prof Msofe said. The Government said investors can benefit from a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

Mr George Mukono, Director of Investment Promotion at TISEZA, cited tax incentives, capital allowances, Special Economic Zones and streamlined investment facilitation among the measures available to investors. > “Tanzania is ready and open for investment. We are looking for partners to transform our food system,” Mr Mukono said.

Former Tanzania Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Food and Agriculture Advisory Council Hon. Mizengo Pinda said technological advancement and mechanisation are also changing the agriculture sector by creating opportunities for decent employment. > “Agriculture is increasingly creating decent jobs as technology and mechanisation continue to transform the sector,” Hon.