Investors Urged to Tap Tanzania’s Agricultural Potential
Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has called on investors to explore the agricultural opportunities in Tanzania, noting the potential to access a regional market of 170 million people in East and Central Africa. Speaking at the Norman E Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, he highlighted the importance of investment across the agricultural value chain, including crop processing, warehousing, and financial services for farmers.
Dr Nchemba explained that Tanzania has 44 million hectares of arable land, of which only 10.8 million hectares are currently cultivated. He added that while the country could potentially irrigate 29.4 million hectares, only 727,280 hectares are irrigated at present, indicating significant room for growth.
The Prime Minister mentioned government initiatives aimed at attracting investment, such as tax incentives and support for young people entering agriculture and fisheries. He stressed that the private sector plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.
During the discussion, Dr Ranveer Chandra, Chief Technology Officer for Research and Industry at Microsoft, emphasised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should assist farmers in making informed decisions rather than replace them. He noted that although AI can enhance decision-making, ensuring affordability and accessibility remains a challenge.
Dr Chandra expressed confidence that Tanzania could become a regional hub for AI-driven agriculture, serving as a model for neighbouring countries. He also discussed Microsoft’s initiatives in Tanzania, including partnerships to support digital payment systems for sunflower farmers and training programmes for women in AI skills.
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