Taha opens UK office to boost horticultural exports

Arusha. The Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha) has opened an office in the UK as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s horticultural exports and expand market access.

Announced at Taha’s 18th Annual General Meeting, the move is part of the Horticultural Exports Accelerator Programme (Heap), an initiative aimed at increasing Tanzania’s presence in global markets, particularly the UK.

The UK office, located within the Tanzanian High Commission, will serve as a hub to connect Tanzanian exporters with international buyers.

Taha chief executive Jacqueline Mkindi said the initiative was a key step in expanding market opportunities for the country’s horticultural sector.

“This venture is a crucial part of our efforts to expand market access for Tanzanian horticultural produce,” she said.

Taha has also appointed business specialist Maarten Boeye to support exporters, focusing on logistics and connecting suppliers with buyers in the UK and beyond. His role includes spearheading efforts to expand Tanzania’s horticultural exports under the Heap initiative.

The programme is supported by the UK government and partners, including Palladium Impact, which manages the UK-Tanzania Green Growth Facility.

Speaking at the AGM, Boeye said he would work to open additional markets for Tanzanian produce in Belgium, the Netherlands, India, and the Gulf region. He highlighted opportunities for expanding exports of spices such as vanilla to Dubai, India, and China.

Taha is currently leading a delegation of 24 participants, including Heap programme beneficiaries, at the European Fruit Logistica 2025 trade fair in Berlin. 

The event provides an opportunity for Tanzanian exporters to showcase products such as avocados, bitter gourds, ginger, bananas, chillies, French beans, and eggplants to international buyers.

“These platforms help exporters establish alternative markets across Asia, Europe, India, South Africa, and China,” Ms Mkindi said.

She noted that diversifying market access was particularly important in addressing logistics challenges, including disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis, which have affected supply chains and increased costs.

“Tanzania must strengthen trade ties with key players such as the Netherlands, which serves as a major horticultural trading hub,” Ms Mkindi added.

The Heap programme, launched last year under the slogan "Race to $2 Billion", aims to increase Tanzania’s horticultural exports to the UK and Europe, targeting $2 billion in export value by 2030. It focuses on capacity building, trade linkages, and adherence to international standards to enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian produce.

So far, 20 Tanzanian horticultural export companies have been approved for support under Heap, reflecting Taha’s commitment to boosting global market access for the sector.