Arusha, Tanzania — 01st June 2026— The Minister for Information, Communication and Technology, Hon. Angela Kairuki (MP), today officially opened the Tanzania Investment Summit 2026, calling on investors, development finance institutions, and private sector leaders to partner with Tanzania in advancing strategic investments that support the country's long-term development agenda.

The two-day Summit, held in Arusha, has brought together government leaders, international investors, development finance institutions, commercial banks, pension funds, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to explore investment opportunities across key sectors of the economy. Organized through the Tanzania Investment Growth Facility (TIGF) by the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania, the Summit, in partnership with the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) and the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority, aims to accelerate capital mobilization for investment-ready projects and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a leading destination for sustainable investment in Africa.

Opening the Summit, Hon. Kairuki underscored the critical role of private capital in delivering Tanzania's development ambitions under Vision 2050 and the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan. "Alternative financing is no longer optional—it is central to our development agenda. Tanzania is deliberately advancing innovative financing models, blended finance, public-private partnerships, and stronger private sector participation. With more than 70 percent of the financing required for our development priorities expected to come from the private sector, platforms such as TIGF are strategically indispensable," said Hon. Kairuki.

Speaking on the significance of the Summit, ESRF Executive Director, Prof. Fortunata S. Makene, noted that bringing together key stakeholders across the investment ecosystem is critical to translating development ambitions into tangible outcomes. “Sustainable investment requires strong partnerships, informed dialogue, and a shared commitment to long-term development. This Summit provides an opportunity to explore practical pathways for advancing investments that contribute to economic transformation and inclusive growth in Tanzania.” 

UNDP Tanzania Resident Representative, Shigeki Komatsubara, reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to supporting innovative financing mechanisms that unlock sustainable development opportunities. “Through the Tanzania Investment Growth Facility, we are moving beyond development intentions to a practical system that turns national priorities into bankable investments, de-risks projects, and connects them directly to investors—so that pipelines become real deals and capital flows into impact at scale.” He added

The Summit builds on momentum generated through Tanzania's participation at AFSIC 2025 in London, where a portfolio of strategic projects attracted strong interest from international investors and development finance institutions. The Arusha gathering is designed as a transaction-focused platform, featuring deal rooms, investor matchmaking sessions, project presentations, and high-level policy dialogue. Participants are expected to engage in discussions covering tourism infrastructure, renewable energy, transport and logistics, blue economy investments, water systems, agro-processing, and climate-resilient value chains, while identifying practical pathways for financing and implementation.

Through the Tanzania Investment Growth Facility, Tanzania is strengthening collaboration between government, investors, financial institutions, and development partners to accelerate project development, mobilize capital, and deliver transformative investments that support economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
For more information on the summit agenda and project details, visit the official TIGF website at https://tigf.or.tz/.

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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 ESRF  
The Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) is an independent policy research Think Tank established in Tanzania for the purposes of undertaking research and providing evidence to support economic management process in Tanzania. The Foundation was established in October 1992 and effectively started its operations in 1994 at the peak of economic reforms and transition from a socialist to market economy – a transition which was characterized by greater demands for scientific evidence in policy process. 
Tanzania Investment Growth Facility (TIGF)
TIGF is a dedicated platform hosted by ESRF and supported by UNDP to strengthen project preparation, mobilize capital, and fast-track investment into Tanzania's priority development sectors. www.tigf.or.tz 

About TISEZA
TISEZA is Tanzania’s dedicated investment promotion and facilitation authority established to streamline investment processes, improve the ease of doing business, and attract both domestic and foreign investment. Established under Act No. 6 of 2025, TISEZA integrates investment promotion and Special Economic Zones under one institution while providing efficient investor support through its One Stop Facilitation Centre. The authority plays a strategic role in advancing industrialisation, sustainable economic growth, job creation, and positioning Tanzania as a gateway for investment and trade in East Africa.  www.tiseza.go.tz

Media  contacts:
Sawiche Wamunza, Communications and Partnership Analyst: sawiche.wamunza@undp.org 
Lilian Mfugale, Communications Offcier: lmfugale@esrf.or.tz