Tanzania’s Private Sector Engages Government at 15th TNBC Summit: President Samia Reaffirms Pro-Business Agenda

The 15th Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) summit marked a pivotal moment for public-private collaboration, with the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) leading private sector representation. Chaired by H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the high-level dialogue reinforced the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and unlocking opportunities for growth.

President Samia’s Assurance: A Catalyst for Private Sector Confidence

In her keynote address, President Samia underscored the government’s resolve to prioritize private sector needs:
“We recognize that the private sector is the engine of our economy. My administration will continue streamlining regulations, improving infrastructure, and creating platforms for investors to thrive.”

Her speech highlighted ongoing reforms, including:

• Simplified tax systems to reduce compliance burdens.

• Enhanced access to financing for SMEs through partnerships with banks and development institutions.

• Investment in strategic sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

TPSF Amplifies Private Sector Voices

Representing TPSF’s Board of Directors, Mr. Ally Amour (TPSF Board Member and Chairperson of the Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce) delivered a comprehensive presentation on behalf of TPSF Board Chairperson Ms. Angelina Ngalula. The submission outlined critical private sector priorities, such as:

• Addressing bureaucratic delays in licensing and permits.

• Resolving cross-border trade bottlenecks to boost regional competitiveness.

• Accelerating public-private partnerships (PPPs) in energy and transport projects.

Mr. Amour emphasized:
“The TNBC is not just a forum—it’s a bridge between policy and action. We urge swift implementation of agreed reforms to translate dialogue into tangible results for businesses.”

Key Outcomes from the 15th TNBC Summit

1. Policy Alignment: Government and private sector agreed to jointly review the Business Environment Improvement Action Plan.

2. Sector-Specific Task Forces: New committees will tackle challenges in agriculture, tourism, and logistics.

3. Digital Transformation Push: Collaboration to expand e-government services and digital payment systems.

Why TNBC Matters for Tanzania’s Economy

The TNBC, co-chaired by the President and private sector leaders, is Tanzania’s apex platform for aligning national policies with business realities. This year’s summit builds on recent gains, including:

• Improved World Bank Ease of Doing Business rankings.

• Growth in FDI inflows driven by investor-friendly reforms.

• Youth and women empowerment programs to spur inclusive entrepreneurship.

Next Steps: From Dialogue to Implementation

President Samia directed ministries and agencies to fast-track resolutions from the summit. TPSF will monitor progress through its regional chapters and sectoral committees. Upcoming initiatives include:

• Quarterly stakeholder reviews to assess reform progress.

• A national SME summit to address financing and market access gaps.

• Advocacy for policy stability to attract long-term investments.

Conclusion

The 15th TNBC summit reaffirmed the power of collaboration in driving Tanzania’s economic ambitions. With TPSF as a steadfast advocate, the private sector is poised to leverage new opportunities under President Samia’s business-centric leadership. As reforms take root, Tanzania moves closer to its vision of a diversified, resilient economy powered by innovation and partnership.

“When government and business speak with one voice, growth becomes inevitable,” remarked Ms. Ngalula. “This is Tanzania’s moment.”