Trading Business in Tanzania

1. Motor vehicles/automobiles business in Tanzania

This involves importing and selling new and used motor vehicles under any of the five categories of motor vehicles namely passenger cars, personal transport cars, special purpose cars, goods transport cars or semi trailers.

In 2023, Tanzania imported public transport passenger vehicles worth $65 million, personal transport passenger vehicles worth $372 million, goods transport vehicles worth $298 million, special purpose motor vehicles worth $42 million and trailers/semi-trailers worth $187 million.

The ISIC code of automobiles business for BRELA registration purpose is 4510 and the HS codes for import purpose are 8702, 8703, 8704, 8705, and 8716.

2. Motor cycles business in Tanzania

This involves importing and selling motor cycles and tricycles (locally nicknamed bodaboda and bajaji). In recent years, the importation and sale of motorcycles and tricycles have become a significant part of Tanzania’s transportation industry.

In 2023, Tanzania imported motorcycles valued at $135 million and tricycles worth $8 million. These vehicles have become essential in both urban and rural areas, providing a crucial solution to the last-mile transportation challenges and contributing significantly to the local economy by creating numerous employment opportunities. Prominent brands like Boxer, Haojue, Kinglion, TVS, and Fekon are the most preferred in Tanzania.

The ISIC code of motor cycles business for BRELA registration purpose is 4510 and the HS codes for import purpose are 8711 and 8712.

3. Spear parts business in Tanzania

This involves importation and selling of parts and accessories for motor vehicles and motor cycles. The parts can be body parts, engine parts, tyres, batteries, etc.

In 2023, Tanzania imported motor vehicle parts (HS8708 + HS8714) valued at $89 million, underscoring the importance of the automotive repair and maintenance sector in the country. These imports are essential for supporting the growing number of vehicles on Tanzanian roads, ensuring the availability of replacement parts and accessories for a wide range of motor vehicles. The demand for motor vehicle parts also highlights the increasing reliance on personal and commercial vehicles, which play a vital role in the country’s transportation infrastructure and economic development.

The ISIC code of spear parts and accessories business for BRELA registration purpose is 4530 and the HS codes for import purpose are 4011 for new tyres, 4012 for retreaded tyres, 8507 for car batteries, 8607 for body parts, gear system parts and brake system parts, 8708 for bumpers, belts, windshields, brakes, gear boxes, transmission components, wheels, suspension parts, radiators, clutches, steering wheels, airbags, and other related parts and 8714 for motor cycles parts.

4. Cereals and grains business in Tanzania

The opportunities in the trading of cereals are vast covering both domestic and export market. Domestically, you can buy grains from the high producing regions and sell to major commercial cities. Internationally, you can export grains to neighboring. In 2023, Tanzania produced 6.4 million tons of corn/maize, 2.45 million tons of rice, 1 million tons of sorghum, 325 thousand tons of millet and 75 thousand tons of wheat. In the same year, the country exported 130.2 thousand tons of maize, 154.4 thousand tons of rice, 26 thousand tons of sorghum, 8.4 thousand tons of millet, and 1.6 thousand tons of wheat.

Buying maize, rice, wheat, sorghum, millet and selling domestically or exporting | ISIC4620

5. Peas and beans business in Tanzania

In 2023, Tanzania exported 427.3 thousand tons of legumes, including peas and beans, generating $274.6 million in revenue. This export activity underscores the country’s strong agricultural sector, particularly in the production of high-demand legumes. These crops not only contribute significantly to Tanzania’s export earnings but also play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of farmers across the country. The global demand for nutritious and sustainable food sources has positioned Tanzania as a key player in the international legume market, further boosting the nation’s agricultural exports.

Buying legumes (peas and beans) and selling domestically or exporting | ISIC4620

6. Livestock trading business in Tanzania

Data published in 2023 shows that Tanzania boosts a population of 36.6 million cattle, 26.6 million goats, 9.1 million sheep and over 97.9 million chicken. All this presents a great opportunity to trade in livestock both locally and internationally. As of August 2024, price of an average goat, with average dressed carcass weight of 10kg, ranged between Tshs 100,000 – 140,000 and for the bigger ones, with dressed carcass weight of around 16kg, around Tshs 180,000 – 240,000.

Buying live animals, hides, skins, and leather and selling locally or exporting | ISIC4620

7. Flowers and garden trees business in Tanzania

Tanzania is ranked the 3rd largest producer of flowers in Tanzania after Kenya and Ethiopia and the 9th globally. It’s main export destination is Netherlands followed by United Kingdom. You can start a flowers export business by buying from flowers farmers and export to Netherlands or United Kingdom or Kenya. To get high volumes, you can even partner with farmers and establish out-growers programs.

Buying flowers and garden trees and selling to local customers or exporting to foreign markets | ISIC4620

8. Unprocessed tobacco export business in Tanzania

In 2023, Tanzania produced 122.86 thousand tons of tobacco and the country expects to produce 200 thousand tons in 2024. The country earned $340 million from exporting 80 thousand tons of unprocessed tobacco to Belgium (49%), UAE (10%), South Africa (6%) and other several other countries.

Buying and exporting unprocessed tobacco | ISIC4620, HS2401

9. Processed tobacco business in Tanzania

Buying and selling of processed tobacco products like cigarettes | ISIC4630, ISIC4723.

10. Unprocessed tea export

Buying and exporting unprocessed tea | ISIC4723.

11. Unprocessed coffee export

Buying and exporting unprocessed coffee | ISIC4723.

12. Cashew nuts export business in Tanzania

Buying and exporting cashew nuts or selling to local customers | 4620.

13. Ground nuts export business in Tanzania

Buying unprocessed ground nuts and selling to local customers or exporting (4620).

14. Sunflower export business in Tanzania

Buying unprocessed sunflower seeds and selling to local customers or exporting (4620).

15. Sesame export business in Tanzania

Buying unprocessed sesame seeds and selling to local customers or export markets (4620).

16. Fruits & vegetables export business in Tanzania

Buying unprocessed fruits and vegetables and selling to local customers or export markets (4630, 4721).

17. Diary products business in Tanzania

Buying unprocessed diary products and selling to local customers or export markets (4630, 4721).

18. Poultry products (eggs) business in Tanzania

Buying poultry products like eggs and selling to local customers or exporting (4630, 4721).

19. Edible oils and fats business in Tanzania

Buying locally or importing edible oils and fats and selling to local customers or exporting (4630, 4721).

20. Meat and meat products business in Tanzania

Buying unprocessed meat or processed meat products and selling to hotels, lodges, and other institutions (4630, 4721).

21. Fish & fish products business in Tanzania

Buying unprocessed fish or processed fish products and selling to hotels, lodges, other institutions or exporting to foreign markets (4630, 4721).

22. Chicken meat business in Tanzania

Buying unprocessed chicken or processed chicken products and selling to hotels, lodges, other institutions or exporting to foreign markets (4630, 4721).

23. Beverages

Trading of bottled water, juices, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, processed coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices (4630, 4722).

24. Pet food

Trading of cat and dog foods by either importing or buying locally and selling to the local market like supermarkets, and grocery stores (4630, 4721).

25. Textiles, clothing and footwear

Importing and trading of yarn, fabrics, linen, haberdashery like needles, sewing thread, clothing, clothing accessories like gloves, ties, and braces, footwear, fur articles, umbrellas, etc (4641, 4751, 4773).

26. Furniture

Importing and selling of residential and office furniture (4649, 4759).

27. Household appliances

Importing and selling of refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and the like (4649, 4759).

28. Consumer electronics

Importing or buying locally and selling sound systems, home automation products, radios and TV equipment, CD and DVD players and recorders, stereo equipment, and video game consoles (4649, 4759).

29. Lighting equipment

Importing or buying locally and selling ceiling lights, chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconces, table lamps, floor lamps, track lighting, recessed lighting, LED bulbs, spotlights, dimmers, light fixtures, outdoor lights, and string lights (4649, 4759).

30. Home decor

Importing or buying locally and selling wall art, paintings, sculptures, vases, candles, picture frames, rugs, curtains, throw pillows, blankets, decorative lamps, mirrors, shelving units, planters, sculptures, clocks, and decorative figurines (4649, 4759).

31. Kitchenware

Importing or buying locally and selling pots, pans, utensils, knives, cutting boards, measuring cups, mixing bowls, baking sheets, cookware sets, kitchen gadgets, graters, peelers, colanders, strainers, can openers, spatulas, tongs, and storage containers (4649).

32. Pharmaceutical goods

Importing or buying locally and selling prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, vaccines, ointments, creams, syrups, tablets, capsules, powders, injectables, medical devices, diagnostic tests, and first aid supplies.

Imports of pharmaceutical products (HS30) in Tanzania were $439.0 million in 2020, $458.7 million in 2021, $749.9 million in 2022 and $444.4 million in 2023 indicating presence of great business opportunity. The country is pro-domestic manufacturing, though most of the nationals have the high trust on imported products.

ISIC: 4649

33. Cosmetics, perfumeries & soaps

Importing or buying locally and selling makeup products, foundation, lipsticks, eye shadow, mascara, blush, concealers, skincare creams, serums, cleansers, moisturizers, perfumes, colognes, body sprays, shower gels, bar soaps, liquid soaps, and other personal care products.

ISIC: 4649

34. Bicycles and accessories

Importing and selling bicycles and accessories, including bike frames, wheels, tires, handlebars, saddles, pedals, bike pumps, helmets, bike lights, locks, water bottles, bike racks, panniers, repair kits, cycling gloves, and reflective gear(4649).

35. Books and stationery

Importing and selling books and stationery, including notebooks, journals, pens, pencils, markers, erasers, highlighters, planners, calendars, binders, folders, sticky notes, paper clips, staplers, and other office supplies (4649, 4761).

36. Leather goods

This includes wallets, belts, bags, briefcases, luggage, keychains, phone cases, gloves, shoes, jackets, wallets, passport holders, cardholders, and other leather accessories (4649, 4773).

37. Clocks, watches, jewelries, accessories

This includes items like necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, brooches, cufflinks, tie clips, anklets, bangles, pendants, charms, hair accessories, scarves, hats, belts, gloves, sunglasses, handbags, wallets, and other fashion accessories (4649).

38. Sports goods

Importing and selling ball sports equipment, rackets and bats, protective gear, fitness and exercise equipment, water sports equipment, winter sports equipment, golf equipment, cycling equipment, fishing equipment, camping and outdoor equipment, track and field equipment, gymnastics equipment, archery equipment, boxing and martial arts equipment (4649, 4771).

39. Music instruments, toys and games

Importing and selling violins, Guitars, Flutes, Saxophones, Trumpets, Drums, Xylophones, Pianos, Keyboards, Organs, Electric guitars, Electric basses, Drum machines, MIDI controllers, Digital pianos, Barbie dolls, Stuffed animals, Baby dolls, Fashion dolls, Toy cars and trucks, Trains and train sets, Remote-controlled cars, Drones, Toy planes and helicopters, Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards, Balls (e.g., soccer, basketball), Swing sets, Art supplies (e.g., crayons, markers), Craft kits, Model kits, Musical toys (e.g., toy pianos, drums), Playing cards (e.g., Poker, Bridge), Console games (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), Handheld games (e.g., Nintendo Switch) – 4649, 4772.

39. Music instruments, toys and games

Importing and selling violins, Guitars, Flutes, Saxophones, Trumpets, Drums, Xylophones, Pianos, Keyboards, Organs, Electric guitars, Electric basses, Drum machines, MIDI controllers, Digital pianos, Barbie dolls, Stuffed animals, Baby dolls, Fashion dolls, Toy cars and trucks, Trains and train sets, Remote-controlled cars, Drones, Toy planes and helicopters, Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards, Balls (e.g., soccer, basketball), Swing sets, Art supplies (e.g., crayons, markers), Craft kits, Model kits, Musical toys (e.g., toy pianos, drums), Playing cards (e.g., Poker, Bridge), Console games (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), Handheld games (e.g., Nintendo Switch) – 4649, 4772.

40. Computer and peripherals

Importing and selling computers, computer peripherals and software (4651, 4741).

41. Electronics

Importing and selling phones, phone accessories, integrated circuits, printed circuits, semiconductors, microchips (4652, 4741).

42. Agricultural machinery

Importing and selling ploughs, manure spreaders, seeders, harvesters, threshers, milking machines, poultry-keeping machines, bee-keeping machines, and tractors (4653).

In 2023, Tanzania imported tractors (HS8701) worth $419 million.

43. Industrial machineries

Importing and selling CNC machines, Lathes, Milling machines, Drilling machines, Presses, Injection molding machines, Extrusion machines, Grinding machines (4659).

44. Mining and construction machineries

Importing and selling Excavators, Bulldozers, Loaders, Dump trucks, Cranes, Asphalt pavers, Concrete mixers, Rock drills (4659).

45. Textile processing machineries

Importing and selling Spinning machines, Weaving looms, Knitting machines, Dyeing machines, Finishing machines (4659).

46. Food processing machineries

Importing and selling Mixers, Blenders, Industrial ovens, Pasteurizers, Packaging machines, Bottling machines, Meat processing equipment (4659).

47. Chemical processing machineries

Importing and selling Reactors, Distillation columns, Heat exchangers, Pumps, Compressors, Centrifuges, Mixers (4659).

48. Metallurgy machineries

Importing and selling Furnaces, Rolling mills, Forging machines, Casting machines, Welding machines, Heat treatment equipment (4659).

49. Office machineries

Importing and selling Photocopiers, Printers, Fax machines, Shredders, Laminators, Binding machines (4659).

50. Measuring machineries

Importing and selling Calipers, Micrometers, Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, Spectrometers, Pressure gauges, Weighing scales, etc (4659).

51. Robotics and automation machines

Importing and selling Industrial robots, Automated guided vehicles (AGVs), Programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Robotic arms, Pick and place machines, Automated assembly lines (4659).

52. Electrical machineries

Importing and selling Electric motors, Generators, Transformers, Circuit breakers, Switchboards, Electric welders (4659).

53. Mechanical machineries

Importing and selling Internal combustion engines, Steam engines, Turbines, Air compressors, Hydraulic pumps, Gearboxes (4659).

54. Materials handling machineries

Importing and selling Forklifts, Conveyor belts, Pallet jacks, Hoists, Elevators, Escalators (4659).

55. Lubricants

Importing and selling or buying locally and selling grease, oil, coolants (4661).

56. Petrol and diesel

Opening petrol filling station for selling of petrol and diesel (4661).

57. Gas

Trading of LPG gas from the major LPG manufacturers like Oryx (4661, 4730).

58. Metals

Importing and selling iron and steel, exporting gold, exporting Tanzanite, exporting copper, importing and selling bars, rods, sheets, plates (4662).

59. Building materials (hardware)

Importing and buying locally construction materials, hardware, paints, glass, boards, plumbing, and heating equipment and supplies for selling as a wholesale company or retail stores (4663, 4752).

60. Wastes and scraps

Trading or plastic and metal scraps (4669).

61. Non-specialized products

Setting up a multi-products trading company that buys and sells a wide range of products without specialization (4690, 4719, 4799).

62. Groceries

Setting up grocery store for selling various grocery items (4711).

63. Audio and video equipments business

In 2023, Tanzania imported audio and video equipments worth $136.4 million equivalent to over Tshs 340 billion. This indicates presence of a substantial market in this category.

The products you can trade in audio and video equipments business include microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, amplifiers, cameras, film lights, film equipments, subwoofers, home theater systems, etc. This business is widely connected with the business of consumer electronics.

The ISIC code of audio and video equipment business for BRELA registration purpose is 4742 and the HS codes for import purpose are 8518, 8519, 8521, 8523, 8524 and 8525.

64. Floor and wall coverings

Importing and selling of carpets, rugs, wall coverings, other floor coverings (4753).