Arts, entertainment still the fastest growing sector in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The entertainment and arts industry emerged as a shining star in Tanzania's 2023 economy, leading growth with an impressive 17.7 percent.

The surge is fueled by a thriving tourist market for cultural products and a more supportive business environment.

While growth dipped slightly from the previous year's 19 percent, the entertainment sector remains the frontrunner, demonstrating continued momentum and promising future expansion.

In contrast, the financial, mining, and hospitality sectors trailed behind in growth.

About 201 permits were issued to Tanzanian filmmakers, while 75 permits were issued to their foreign counterparts, with the increase attributed to the continued provision of public education on the importance of compliance with laws and regulations governing the sector.

Tabling the State of the National Economy in Parliament on Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Dodoma, the minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, told the lawmakers that the sector recorded a 17.7 percent growth rate compared to 19.0 percent growth registered the previous year.

“The growth was also attributed to the issuance of 276 film production permits compared to 272 permits issued in the previous fiscal year,” he said.

He added: “The increase in permits was due to the continued provision of public education on the importance of compliance with the country’s laws and regulations governing film production in the country.”

However, in 2023, the government continued to formalise the work of artists in the country, whereby a total of 1,089 individual artists were registered compared to 472 artists registered in the prior year.

Among them, 685 artists were from music, which was equal to 62.9 percent.

“The increase was due to education and motivation that continued to be given to artists and art stakeholders, including building their ability to use the electronic registration system.”