- What are constraints and opportunities in Tanzania for improving trade and competitiveness at macro (economy-wide), meso (sectoral) and micro (household or firm) levels? What tangible policy actions can be undertaken?
- How can institutional arrangements for export competitiveness and diversification in Tanzania and Zanzibar be improved?
- How can value chains in rice, leather, seaweed, horticulture and logistics be further strengthened?
These are key questions in this project which is aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s capacity to develop trade policies to promote competitiveness of its exports as well as diversification.
The project aims to support key actors such as policy makers, exporters, farmers and trade associations. It focuses on five sub-sectors:
- horticulture
- rice
- seaweed (all agriculture)
- leather (manufacture) and
- logistics (services).
The project uses a multi-dimensional approach comprising knowledge generation (first pillar), capacity building (second pillar) and value chain development (third pillar).
The project is part of a program led by REPOA and funded by the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of States (ACP). It runs from October 2019 until October 2021.
Why is this research relevant?
Tanzania plays an important role in various intergovernmental and regional trade platforms, such as the East African Community (EAC) and the SADC. While the country has made much progress on hard infrastructure such as roads, harbours and energy, it faces real constraints in trade expansion and diversification on the institutional and regulatory side. This can be attributed to various factors, including a lack of awareness and understanding of these constraints and their impact, as well as a lack of knowledge on how to effectively address them.
Combining knowledge generation, capacity-building and value-chain development
To strengthen Tanzania’s trade capacity, this project combines knowledge generation, capacity-building and value-chain development.
The first pillar on knowledge generation involves research studies and review of trade policies and value chains related to the priority sectors. This pillar will generate knowledge on key constraints and opportunities and identify where policy needs to be reviewed.
The second pillar on capacity building involves design and implementation of short-term training programmes based on training needs and institutional assessments. In addition, grants will be offered to 10 masters students to conduct research on trade and regional integration.
The third pillar on value chain development focuses on technical assistance in the five sub-sectors through review of institutional arrangements, provision of technical assistance and organizing public-private dialogues amongst others.
Collaborations
The project is led by REPOA in Tanzania. Within ISS, Professor Peter van Bergeijk and Dr Binyam Afewerk Demena (Post-doc researcher) are involved.
Outputs
Funding
Related news and events
Contact
- Email address
- bergeijk@iss.nl
For more information about this project, please contact Professor Peter van Bergeijk