How Can Tanzania Compete in E-Commerce Exports?

Tanzania at the Digital Crossroads; The global e-commerce industry is booming, with cross-border e-commerce exports expected to exceed $7 trillion by 2030. Countries like China, India, and even Rwanda (Tanzania neighbour) is positioning themselves to benefit. For Tanzania, e-commerce isn’t just about shopping online it’s a strategic opportunity to export local products, culture, and creativity to the world, digitally. But how can Tanzania realistically compete in this fast-moving global arena?

1. Identify and package competitive export products

Tanzania must focus on high-demand, lightweight, and culturally unique products that are suitable for global shipping and digital promotion. Examples of Viable Products are Natural cosmetics (shea butter, soap, baobab), Spice and herbal teas (Tangawizi, Cinnamon, clove), handcrafted jewelry and fabrics, organic foods (honey, fruits, cashews.)

2. Build a national e-commerce export strategy

Competing in E-Commerce exports requires coordinated action between government, customs, logistics, ICT, and trade agencies. National E- commerce Strategic Roadmap will simplify digital tax procedures, supported SMEs, and increased e-commerce GDP contribution from 5.8% in 2016 to over 12% in 2021. This strategy should focus on one stop online export registration and tax system, Customs procedures adapted for small parcels and digital traders and E-commerce strategy embedded into Tanzania National Vision 2050.

3. Invest in e-commerce logistics infrastructure

Tanzania must optimize post offices, air cargo, and digital logistics platforms because Speed, reliability, and affordability of delivery of products and services define success in e-commerce exports. Tanzania can upgrade Posta Tanzania to become a national digital export enabler like Create logistics partnerships with Commercial and Logistics Center from different countries and Promote local delivery startups to handle last-mile and export fulfillment.

4. Support SMES and youth entrepreneurs to go global

Tanzanian youth and Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) need tools, training, and finance to scale their digital exports. Without this, potential exporters remain locked in local markets. Tanzania can Provide matching grants for e-commerce branding, packaging, and logistics, Establish Digital Export Labs in colleges and hubs (e.g., COSTECH, Buni Hub), Run national training on Etsy, Shopify, Amazon Handmade, Alibaba, and TikTok Shop. Forexample In Kenya, Ajira Digital and GoBlue Kenya programs have trained thousands in e-commerce and remote trade, unlocking new income channels.

5. Digitize payment and tax systems for small exporters

To succeed, E-Commerce exporters must receive international payments easily and navigate taxes without fear or confusion. Tanzania Needs to support for Mpesa Global, NALA, and bank integration with PayPal/Stripe, TRA to launch a “digital trader tax regime” for small exporters; clear, affordable, and online. Nigeria’s Flutter wave and Paystack allow SMEs to receive money from over 30 countries with low fees, making cross-border business easier.

6. Promote the Tanzanian brand globally

Competing globally means making people want Tanzanian products. Storytelling, country branding, and influencer partnerships matter.

Thailand’s “One Tambon, One Product” (OTOP) program turned village-made goods into global fashion by combining culture and e-commerce. Hence Tanzania can Launch a “Made in Tanzania” digital brand campaign targeting diasporas and eco-conscious markets and use embassies and digital influencers to promote Tanzanian artisan goods.

Competing in E-Commerce Is a National Opportunity, Tanzania’s global digital trade future depends on its ability to combine Unique local products, Digital logistics and payments, Empowered youth and SMEs and having Smart national strategy. With the right investment, Tanzania can shift from a passive consumer of foreign e-commerce to a competitive exporter of Tanzania made products.