BLUE ECONOMY

Overview

Tanzania's extensive marine, coastal and freshwater resources provide significant opportunities for sustainable investment across a wide range of ocean- and water-based economic activities. With an Indian Ocean coastline, a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), extensive freshwater resources and rich aquatic ecosystems, Tanzania is well positioned to develop a competitive and sustainable Blue Economy.

The Blue Economy encompasses fisheries and aquaculture, marine and coastal tourism, seaweed production and processing, maritime transport and logistics, marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, shipbuilding and repair, and other ocean-based activities.

Key Data

• USD 7.2+ billion – Estimated contribution of the Blue Economy to national Gross Value Added (GVA).
• 6–10 million – Estimated number of Tanzanians dependent on Blue Economy activities and related value chains.
• 1.7–1.8% – Contribution of marine and freshwater fisheries to GDP.
• Approximately 30% – Share of national animal protein supplied by fisheries.
• 223,000 km² – Tanzania's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• 1,424 km – Indian Ocean coastline.
• 54,000 km² – Freshwater coverage.
• Approximately 167,400 tonnes – Annual seaweed production, placing Tanzania among the world's leading seaweed producers.
• Fish exports increased from approximately 42,000 tonnes valued at TZS 509.9 billion to 59,000 tonnes valued at TZS 755 billion in the reporting periods cited in the Guide.

Investment Opportunities

1. Fisheries and Aquaculture
Investment opportunities exist in sustainable commercial fishing, deep-sea fishing, aquaculture, fish farming, hatcheries, fish feed production, cold-chain infrastructure, fish processing, packaging, storage and distribution.

2. Seaweed Production and Value Addition
Investors can participate in commercial seaweed farming, processing and the production of value-added products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, animal feed and other marine-based products.

3. Marine and Coastal Tourism
Tanzania offers opportunities for investment in marine tourism, coastal resorts, island tourism, diving and snorkeling facilities, marine recreation, cruise tourism, sport fishing and other tourism-related services along the mainland coast and islands.

4. Maritime Transport and Logistics
Investment opportunities include port-related services, maritime logistics, shipping and freight services, vessel operations, warehousing, cargo handling, marine support services and development of integrated maritime transport infrastructure.

5. Marine Biotechnology
Tanzania's marine biodiversity provides opportunities for research, innovation and commercial development of marine-derived products for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, biotechnology and industrial applications.

6. Offshore Renewable Energy
The country's marine environment offers potential for investment in offshore renewable energy solutions, including offshore wind, wave and other emerging marine energy technologies, subject to applicable regulatory and environmental requirements.

7. Shipbuilding, Repair and Marine Services
Opportunities exist for investment in shipbuilding, vessel repair and maintenance, marine engineering, fabrication, equipment supply and other specialized maritime services.

8. Aquatic Food Processing and Export
Investors can establish modern processing facilities to add value to fish, seafood, seaweed and other aquatic products for domestic consumption and export markets.