Tanzania has launched a new export hub aimed at connecting at least 100,000 youth entrepreneurs to international markets by the year 2030, in a move designed to expand opportunities for young business owners and boost the country’s export sector.
The initiative was announced by the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Kitila Mkumbo, who said the hub will provide young entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and market access needed to compete globally.
The export hub is expected to serve as a central platform that supports youth-led businesses by offering training, mentorship, and guidance on international trade standards. It will also help entrepreneurs connect with foreign buyers, understand export regulations, and improve the quality and competitiveness of their products.
According to officials, the programme targets young people engaged in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, creative industries, and technology—areas considered crucial for expanding Tanzania’s export base and creating sustainable jobs.
The initiative comes at a time when Tanzania is seeking to harness the economic potential of its youthful population. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (Tanzania) shows that the 2022 Population and Housing Census revealed that approximately 76 percent of the country’s population is under the age of 35. This demographic reality highlights the importance of integrating young people into productive economic activities.
Prof. Mkumbo said the export hub will help address some of the key challenges faced by youth entrepreneurs, including limited access to international markets, lack of information about export procedures, and difficulties in meeting global product standards.
Through partnerships with government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations, the hub will facilitate market linkages, provide export readiness training, and support business development services. These efforts are expected to strengthen the capacity of youth-led enterprises and enable them to scale beyond local markets.
Experts believe that empowering young entrepreneurs to participate in international trade could significantly increase Tanzania’s export earnings while fostering innovation and job creation across multiple sectors.
The government views the export hub as part of a broader strategy to promote entrepreneurship, industrial development, and inclusive economic growth. If successfully implemented, the programme could position thousands of young Tanzanians to become competitive players in regional and global markets.
