INTERNATIONAL TRADE

How Tanzania could become Africa’s international trading powerhouse

By our News Team | 2023

While the likes of Kenya and South Africa suffer setbacks, Tanzania is showing impressive growth, says e-commerce entrepreneur.

Tanzania’s stable governance, coupled with its rapid economic and population expansion, firmly positions the nation to become a pan-African trading superstar, according to Daniel Yu, the founder and CEO of Wasoko, which is claimed to be Africa’s largest B2B e-commerce network.

In an opinion article for the Tanzanian-based newspaper, The Citizen, Yu says the country can surpass the likes of Kenya and South Africa, both of which are currently facing significant economic and political setbacks.

International Trade

Dar es Salaam is the most populous city in Tanzania. Photo by Dicksonpicha via Wikipedia

With more neighbouring countries and a larger population than any other African nation along the Indian Ocean, Tanzania is well-positioned to extend its influence even further, he believes.

“Projections indicate Tanzania’s population will increase by over double to 135-million people by 2050,” Yu states.

“While rapid population growth can pose significant challenges, Tanzania’s impressive GDP per capita growth of over 40 percent in the past decade suggests it is managing to grow overall worker productivity.

“In contrast, countries like Nigeria have experienced high population growth rates but witnessed GDP per capita decline by 30 percent over the same period.”

To be a superstar, bold steps are needed

However, for Tanzania to achieve its Pan-African superstar status, it must take bold steps, Yu emphasises.

For example, recognising the substantial gains Tanzania stands to generate in supplying its eight neighbouring countries, it should lead in advocating for, and implementing, the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Importantly, the country should follow through on implementing the African Union Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, which it signed in 2018.

This grants African citizens visa-free entry to all African countries, equal employment opportunities without discrimination, and the right to long-term residence in any African country.

“While this might sound wildly ambitious and unrealistic, the European Union provides a tangible example,” he says.

“If Tanzania led the implementation of the protocol, it could rapidly attract exceptional talent from across Africa to boost local firms, while generating significantly more jobs for its own citizens.”

He concludes: “With the right strategies in place, Tanzania can pave the way for a prosperous future, positioning itself as a dynamic force driving the economic and social transformation of the entire Global South.”

You can read the full article here.

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.