DISCOVER
Economy of Tanzania
Tanzania's economy is built on the strength of its people, natural resources and the cooperation between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
From agriculture and tourism to mining, technology and blue economy — every sector plays an important role in building a prosperous Tanzania. The Union strengthens the economy by creating a larger market, shared policies and greater investment potential.
#1
Tanzanite producer in the world
Top 3
Clove producer globally (Zanzibar)
$1B+
Annual tourism revenue
6%+
Average GDP growth rate
Agriculture — The Backbone
Mainland Tanzania
- Maize, Rice, Wheat — staple crops
- Coffee — exported globally
- Cotton — major cash crop
- Tea — Kilimanjaro and Ruvuma regions
- Cashew Nuts — southern Tanzania
- Tobacco, Sunflower, Beans
Zanzibar
- Cloves — Zanzibar is the world's 3rd largest producer
- Coconuts — used for food and oil
- Seaweed — exported to Asia for cosmetics
- Tropical fruits and spices
Tourism — Source of Foreign Exchange
Mainland Highlights
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Ruaha — world-class wildlife destinations bringing millions of visitors.
Zanzibar Highlights
Stone Town, Nungwi Beach, Spice Farms and pristine coral reefs attract travellers from around the world.
Jobs Created
Tourism supports over 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs across Tanzania.
Economic Impact
Tourism contributes approximately 17% of Tanzania's GDP and is growing year on year.
Mining — Mineral Wealth
Mainland Tanzania
- Gold — major export earner
- Tanzanite — found only near Kilimanjaro (Tanzania exclusive)
- Diamonds — mined in Shinyanga
- Coal, Nickel, Iron Ore
- Uranium, Copper, Limestone
Zanzibar
- Chumvi (Salt) — coastal production
- Marine resources
- Sand and building materials
Blue Economy — The Ocean's Potential
Fishing
Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika and the Indian Ocean provide food and income for millions.
Dar es Salaam Port
One of East Africa's busiest ports — a gateway for landlocked neighbouring countries.
Seaweed Farming (Zanzibar)
Zanzibar women are global leaders in seaweed aquaculture — a key export.
Marine Tourism
Coral reefs, dolphin watching and diving around Zanzibar and Mafia Island.
Technology & Innovation
Mainland — Startup Ecosystem
Growing tech hubs in Dar es Salaam with FinTech, e-commerce and digital services sectors.
Zanzibar Silicon Initiative
Zanzibar is positioning itself as a tech and digital hub with ICT parks and e-government services.
FinTech
Mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money) has transformed financial inclusion in Tanzania.
Digital Agriculture
Apps and platforms help farmers access markets, weather data and financial services.
Infrastructure
Mainland Tanzania
- SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) — connecting Tanzania to its neighbours
- Dar es Salaam Port — East Africa's key trade hub
- Julius Nyerere International Airport
- Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam (JNHPP)
- TANZAM Highway and national road network
Zanzibar
- Zanzibar International Airport (Abeid Amani Karume)
- Zanzibar Port
- Mkoani Port (Pemba)
- Island road network improvements
How the Union Strengthens the Economy
- ✓Creates a larger unified domestic market
- ✓Shared monetary policy and currency (Tanzanian Shilling)
- ✓Attracts more investors by offering combined resources
- ✓Facilitates trade between Mainland and Zanzibar
- ✓Unified transport and communications infrastructure
- ✓Coordinated development planning and foreign aid
💡Did You Know?
- Tanzania is the only country in the world where Tanzanite is found.
- Zanzibar produces more than 90% of the world's cloves.
- Dar es Salaam Port serves landlocked countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and Zambia.
- Tanzania's mobile money penetration is among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa.