Tanzania aims to boost meat exports to Saudi Arabia
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is set to increase its meat and agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia following the arrival of a 35-member delegation of businesspeople and government officials to explore new trade opportunities.
Speaking at the Tanzania-Saudi Roundtable Meeting on February 12, 2025, the minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, revealed that the value of meat exports to Saudi Arabia has doubled in the past two years, rising from $6 million to $12 million.
At the meeting, the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (TCCIA) and the Federation of Saudi Chambers (FSC) signed an agreement to expand trade with Tanzania expected to capitalise on the growing demand for meat in the Middle Eastern market.
“Saudi Arabia’s market is open to Tanzania, and over the last two years, we have increased meat exports from about $6 million to $12 million. This progress is promising, and we hope continued interaction will lead to even more growth,” said Prof Mkumbo.
He further emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting investments, noting that a forum held in Saudi Arabia last year had laid the groundwork for the delegation’s visit.
“The delegation’s arrival shows their commitment, which is why several ministers are involved. Our goal is to ensure that the country benefits from these investments,” he added.
The head of the Saudi Arabian delegation and the FSC Chairman, Mr Hassan Bin Maoujeb Alhuwaizy, highlighted the substantial demand for meat in Saudi Arabia and Tanzania’s potential for increasing exports.
“Tanzania has millions of livestock, making this a prime area for investment. We have investors ready to build slaughterhouses and increase exports beyond the present $12 million,” he said.
TCCIA President, Mr Vincent Minja, described the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing between the two chambers as a milestone in enhancing business relations, particularly in meat export.
“Last year, we held a meeting in Saudi Arabia, and one of the key agreements was to put everything into action. This is why the delegation has come to Tanzania. Saudi Arabia’s market is vast, and we will encourage our people to increase production to seize available opportunities,” he said.
Industry and Trade minister, Dr Selemani Jafo, pointed out that Saudi Arabia has significant demand for various agricultural and livestock products.
He stressed that the timing of the forum was critical, as the government is working to encourage farmers to increase production and herders to improve the quality of their produce.
“This large delegation of over 30 people, including government representatives, has come to explore opportunities,” he said.
“For the industrial sector, this is a milestone, as Saudi Arabia has advanced in many areas. They are investing in processing industries, which will enable us to export processed products instead of raw materials,” Dr Jafo said.
