Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has urged public institutions to utilize locally produced goods for construction, the procurement of furniture, and other requirements. He emphasized that this measure is essential for fostering industrial growth, protecting jobs, and increasing national revenue.
He issued these directives on November 4, 2026, while representing President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan at the launch of the Sustainable Industrial Development Policy (2025) and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Policy (2003, 2025 Edition) at the Jakaya Kikwete Hall in Dodoma.
“This initiative must begin within the government itself. Even when the government undertakes building construction, we must use products manufactured here in the country,” he stated.
Dr. Mwigulu cited items such as glass, steel bars, tiles, and furniture—all of which are produced domestically—as examples of goods that public institutions should prioritize. He stressed that the government must lead by example in the implementation of the policies it formulates.
“We have established these policies; therefore, we must live up to our own words,” he said.
The Prime Minister further called for a review and amendment of any laws that contain loopholes hindering the use of local products or providing opportunities to circumvent the implementation of these directives. He stated that efforts to build industries cannot yield the intended results if the goods produced go unused, as a lack of market access leads to a decline in production, employment, and revenue.
“Let us use domestically produced goods with confidence, enjoyment, and pride, in order to safeguard our industries, employment, and national revenue, while also fostering economic growth,” he said.
Furthermore, Dr. Mwigulu urged government officials to shift their perspective regarding the private sector, recognizing it as a vital partner in building a self-reliant economy.
He emphasized the importance of respecting capital and investments, and of fostering an environment that enables the private sector to participate fully in the country’s development.
Regarding the implementation of the newly launched policies, Dr. Mwigulu directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to develop robust strategies, conduct monitoring and evaluation, and collaborate with sectoral ministries and the private sector to ensure that the set objectives are achieved.
Additionally, he tasked the Ministry with overseeing and coordinating value chains to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to produce raw materials and provide the services required by the industrial sector. Conveying greetings from the President, the Prime Minister stated that the Government will continue to strengthen the business and investment environment, while improving infrastructure—including energy, water, roads, and railways—to enhance the competitiveness of industries in regional and international markets.
The Minister of Industry and Trade, Ms. Judith Kapinga, noted that the Ministry has developed a ten-year implementation strategy with annual targets, which will be monitored and evaluated to ensure the policies deliver tangible results.
She explained that this implementation will create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and expand markets for domestically produced goods, particularly within regional and African markets.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Professor Kitila Mkumbo, stated that these policies align with the National Development Vision 2050 and serve as essential tools for its realization.
“Let us not simply leave here celebrating the fact that we have a policy. The true celebration lies in transforming this policy into a better life for Tanzanians,” he said.
