Oman-Tanzania Trade Surges to $350 Million: What This Means for Your Business Opportunities in Oman
MUSCAT: Trade between Oman and Tanzania has surged from $140 million to $350 million over the last three years, underscoring the expanding economic relationship as both nations work to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, logistics, and tourism.
Saud bin Hilal al Shidhani, Oman’s Ambassador to Tanzania, highlighted that the bilateral relationship—rooted in long-standing historical and cultural connections—is now entering a new phase of economic cooperation, driven by strong political commitment and enhanced engagement between their private sectors.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in trade missions, business delegations, and participation of Omani companies in Tanzanian exhibitions, which have opened new avenues for partnerships and investment.
“Tanzania has become a key gateway for Omani companies aiming to access East African markets,” Al Shidhani stated, pointing to Tanzania’s strategic location on the Indian Ocean and its membership in both the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, which together offer access to a regional consumer market numbering in the hundreds of millions.
Omani investment in Tanzania has expanded substantially since the signing of agreements on double taxation avoidance and reciprocal investment protection in 2024. Current investments span oil and gas exploration, mining, industry, agriculture, fisheries, airport management, transport, and quarantine facilities. Meanwhile, Tanzanian investors are increasingly attracted to Oman’s property sector due to the Sultanate’s stable and favorable investment climate.
The ambassador identified logistics, ports, agriculture, food industries, livestock, tourism, renewable energy, mining, and special economic zones as sectors with significant potential for future cooperation.
Closer collaboration between Omani and Tanzanian ports is expected to enhance trade flows and re-export activities linking the Gulf region with East Africa. The embassy in Dar es Salaam continues to support investors, promote business partnerships, and highlight investment opportunities in both countries.
Al Shidhani also emphasized efforts to encourage Tanzanian businesses to source products from Oman, especially in food processing, fisheries, petrochemicals, plastics, logistics, and construction materials. Concurrently, Omani investors are being introduced to opportunities in Tanzania’s agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and mining sectors.
Looking ahead, Air Tanzania is set to launch three direct weekly flights between Dar es Salaam and Muscat, a move anticipated to boost tourism, trade, and business travel.
Additionally, Dar es Salaam will host the third session of the Oman-Tanzania Joint Committee in the coming months to review bilateral cooperation projects. Omani Cultural Week will also take place in the Tanzanian capital this September.
Al Shidhani urged Omani businesses to capitalize on Tanzania’s growing economy and investment prospects, emphasizing that stronger commercial partnerships would transform the countries’ historic ties into sustained economic growth benefiting both nations. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The significant growth in trade and investment ties between Oman and Tanzania signals a strategic gateway to the expansive East African markets, presenting Oman-based businesses with diversified opportunities in sectors like logistics, agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism. Smart investors should leverage newly established agreements and direct transport links to expand regional footprints and create resilient cross-border partnerships, while entrepreneurs ought to explore niche areas like port cooperation and special economic zones to capitalize on emerging integration and economic synergy.
