UNDP & CRDB BANK FOUNDATION LAUNCH AfCFTA SIMPLIFIED GUIDE FOR TANZANIAN MSMEs

Dar es Salaam, 3 March 2025: UNDP and the CRDB Bank Foundation have launched a simplified guide for SMEs, aimed at enhancing the participation of Tanzanian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This initiative epuips MSMEs with practical tools and knowledge to expand their businesses across African markets.

The event, officiated by Hon. Exaud Kagahe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Tanzania’s MSMEs. As key drivers of employment, innovation, and inclusive growth, MSMEs play a crucial role in Tanzania’s transition to middle-income economy.

“The government knows the benefits of this agreement that’s why our Parliament ratified it in September 2021, thus making our country eligible to benefit with the African Free Market. This decision by the government aims to open opportunities for our entrepreneurs beyond our national borders,” says Hon. Kagahe and adds that:

“To fully seize these opportunities, our people must have accurate information, the necessary knowledge, and the courage to cross borders in pursuit of these opportunities wherever they arise within the 55 nations of our African continent. What is taking place in today's seminar is part of the strategies to empower our entrepreneurs to compete with their counterparts in the market.”

The initiative provides SMEs with essential resources, including market entry guidance from trade experts, value chain mapping to identify trade opportunities, and a simplified AfCFTA Guide to help entrepreneurs navigate trade proceudres and regulations.

Speaking during the event, the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Shigeki Komatsubara emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to achieve the common goal.

“The AfCFTA, as the largest trade zone in Africa, presents immense opportunities to increase intra-African trade, attract investment, and drive socio-economic transformation, particularly for women across Africa. UNDP remains committed to supporting Tanzanian SMEs to fully leverage these opportunities,” says Mr. Komatsubara.

CRDB Bank Foundation’s Managing Director, Tully Esther Mwambapa is of the view that MSMEs form a sizeable part of the country’s economy so it needs a joint empowerment to realize their full potential of creating employment opportunities, strengthening personal income as well as contributing more to the national economy.

"As the CRDB Bank Foundation, we are fully committed to supporting the growth and competitiveness of Tanzanian SMEs. With our vast experience in capacity-building, we are ready to provide the tools, resources, and training necessary for entrepreneurs to succeed in the AfCFTA market. This initiative marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower SMEs, particularly women and youth, to expand their reach across Africa and drive economic growth. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to ensuring that Tanzanian entrepreneurs are equipped to thrive in a globalized economy," says Tully.

The Simplified AfCFTA Guide, launched today, serves as a comprehensive resource for SMEs seeking to expand their market reach. In addition, the , the UNDP-CRDB CBF capacity-building initiative is strengthening SME’s competitiveness, and trade readiness. The collaboration with key institutions, including the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), ensures that SMEs receive the necessary support to engage effectively in AfCFTA markets.

This initiative is a major step forward in positioning Tanzanian SMEs to harness the vast potential of the AfCFTA, fostering economic integration and sustainable development.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in 170 countries and territories, focusing on ending the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change impact. UNDP helps nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. In Tanzania, UNDP works in collaboration with the Government and multi-stakeholders through strategic programmatic areas of Inclusive Democratic Governance, Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Livelihoods and Environment Sustainability, Climate Change and Resilience. For more information visit: www.undp.org| www.undp.org/tanzania

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About AfCFTA

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement is a flagship project of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, aimed at creating a single market for goods and services across Africa. By removing trade barriers, AfCFTA seeks to boost intra-African trade, investment, and economic integration. ,

For more information on the Simplified guide visit: https://www.undp.org/tanzania/publications/simplified-guide-small-and-medium-enterprises-smes-tanzania

For more information contact:

Sawiche Wamunza, Communications and Partnership UNDP Tanzania: sawiche.wamunza@undp.org

Simon Moshy, National Coordinator TAX4SDG’s simon.moshy@undp.org