Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country; importance of relationships to finding a good partner; use of agents.
Last Published: 1/28/2019
  • To enter the Tanzanian market, local contacts, cultural appreciation, and relationship-building are important. Pleasantries like formal introduction and exchange of business cards are highly appreciated. Successful U.S. companies have taken the time to visit Tanzania to get to know the market and meet with potential partners.
  • Joint ventures with Tanzanians and shared ownership are strategies preferred by the Tanzanian government, especially in terms of land access.
  • Marketing U.S. goods is generally done through a local agent or distributor. Successful investing usually requires an American or local representative on the ground to oversee operations and financial transactions.
  • Corruption and bureaucratic obstacles can be addressed and minimized by working with local lawyers and by insisting that contracts and offers be made in writing.
  • Only the Finance Ministry and its agencies, such as the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), have the authority to issue tax and other exemptions. Ministries proposing contracts with such exemptions do not have such authority unless the agreement is endorsed formally by TRA.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.


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Tanzania Trade Development and Promotion