Tanzania is on the verge of a horticultural boom, with six key crops identified as the “green gold” that could transform the sector and boost the country’s economy.
Experts say that with proper investment, improved technology, and access to international markets, these crops could generate thousands of jobs and increase export earnings.
The six crops tipped to lead the growth include avocados, macadamia nuts, mangos, French beans, flowers, and spices such as cardamom and cloves.
Demand for these products is growing rapidly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, giving Tanzanian farmers a great opportunity to tap into global value chains.
Agriculture stakeholders believe that Tanzania has the right climate, fertile soils, and expanding irrigation systems to compete with countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, which already dominate the horticultural export market.
Government officials have pledged support through better infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and export incentives. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has emphasized that agriculture remains a top priority for economic transformation, especially for empowering youth and women.
Despite the opportunities, challenges such as limited financing, lack of modern farming equipment, and poor transport networks remain barriers. Experts have called for more public-private partnerships to overcome these obstacles.
If successful, the horticulture sector could become a multi-billion-shilling industry, supporting smallholder farmers while positioning Tanzania as a major supplier of fresh produce and high-value crops in global markets.
