Tanzania’s drive to expand agricultural exports and gain greater access to high-value international markets is receiving a major boost through European Union-backed investments aimed at modernising the country’s plant health systems.
The initiative, known as the Strengthening Phytosanitary Capacity in Tanzania (STREPHIT) project, is funded by the EU and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Tanzanian government.
The programme seeks to improve Tanzania’s phytosanitary infrastructure, strengthen pest surveillance and diagnostic systems, and ensure that agricultural exports meet international safety and quality standards.
Officials say the project will enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness in global agricultural markets while protecting food security, farmers’ livelihoods and the country’s export earnings.
Agriculture remains a key pillar of Tanzania’s economy, employing nearly 60 percent of the population and contributing about one-third of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
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The sector is also an important source of foreign exchange, with exports including horticultural products, coffee, tea, spices, cashew nuts and other agricultural commodities contributing significantly to economic growth.
However, access to premium international markets depends heavily on compliance with strict phytosanitary standards designed to prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases across borders.
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to rejected shipments, financial losses and reduced confidence among international buyers.
Tanzania currently exports agricultural products worth about €546 million annually to the European Union, representing more than half of the country’s total exports to the bloc.
Experts say strengthening plant health systems is essential not only to protect existing export markets but also to create opportunities for Tanzania to access new international destinations.
During a visit to the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) in Arusha, EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, Christine Grau, said investment in plant health infrastructure directly supports agricultural productivity, trade expansion and economic development.
“By strengthening plant health systems, we are helping farmers and exporters meet international standards, improve compliance and access higher-value markets,” she said.
The STREPHIT project focuses on upgrading Tanzania’s phytosanitary services through investments in laboratory infrastructure, digital technologies, surveillance systems and technical training.
A major component of the programme involves rehabilitating and upgrading eight key plant health laboratories across the country.
These facilities are responsible for detecting, identifying and analysing pests and diseases that threaten agricultural production and export markets.
Improved laboratory capacity is expected to allow faster and more accurate testing, helping authorities respond quickly to outbreaks and reduce disruptions to trade.
The project is also supporting the establishment of 20 mini-laboratories at strategic border points to strengthen inspections and speed up testing of agricultural products entering and leaving the country.
Stakeholders say improved testing capacity will reduce delays in export certification and lower the risk of shipments being rejected by international markets.
The programme also introduces digital surveillance tools to improve monitoring, reporting and early detection of plant health threats.
Experts say such systems are becoming increasingly important as climate change affects pest behaviour and increases the risk of invasive species spreading.
TPHPA Director General Professor Joseph Ndunguru said the project represents an important step in strengthening Tanzania’s agricultural regulatory framework.
“As Tanzania continues to expand its agricultural exports, the need for reliable and internationally aligned laboratory infrastructure has become increasingly important,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure, the project is investing in training plant health professionals, laboratory technicians and inspectors to ensure long-term sustainability.
FAO Representative to Tanzania Nyabenyi Tipo said the initiative would help build a stronger agricultural system capable of responding to future challenges.
The EU support forms part of its wider Global Gateway strategy, which focuses on sustainable investment, trade facilitation and economic partnerships with developing countries.
Agricultural experts believe stronger phytosanitary systems will help Tanzania increase exports of high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, spices and horticultural products.
The benefits are expected to extend beyond exporters to millions of smallholder farmers through improved pest management, reduced crop losses and increased incomes.
As global demand grows for safe, traceable and sustainably produced food, stakeholders say investment in plant health systems will be critical to ensuring Tanzania’s agricultural sector remains competitive.
With the continued implementation of the STREPHIT project, Tanzania hopes to strengthen its position in international markets, increase export revenues and build a more resilient agricultural economy.
