Tanzania’s seaweed industry generated 13.9 billion Tanzanian shillings (US$5.3 million) in revenue during the current fiscal year, underscoring the growing importance of the sector to the country’s blue economy and coastal livelihoods.
Government officials say efforts are underway to increase value addition, attract investment and expand access to international markets as global demand for seaweed-based products continues to rise.
Speaking at the opening of the 6th Seaweed for Health Conference in Dar es Salaam, Director of Aquaculture in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Madalla Naziel, described seaweed farming as one of the country’s most inclusive economic activities.
He said the industry has evolved into a strategic sector that contributes to employment creation, foreign exchange earnings and environmental sustainability.
“Seaweed farming is one of the most inclusive economic activities within the fisheries and aquaculture sector. It plays a significant role in contributing to national economic growth,” Naziel said.
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According to government figures, Tanzania produced more than 130,000 metric tonnes of fresh seaweed on the mainland during the fiscal year. The industry currently supports nearly 12,000 farmers, the majority of them women living in coastal communities.
Tanzania remains Africa’s largest seaweed producer, accounting for more than 90 percent of the continent’s output. However, industry stakeholders note that the country contributes only around three percent of global production, highlighting substantial potential for future growth.
The sector has benefited from increasing international demand for seaweed products, which are widely used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, animal feed and other industrial applications.
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Seaweed exports from Tanzania continue to reach major international markets, with licensed exporters supplying products to countries including China, France, South Korea, the United States, Australia, South Africa, Spain, Kenya and India.
Despite the industry’s progress, officials acknowledged that several challenges continue to constrain growth.
Among the key obstacles are the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems, limited access to quality farming inputs, inadequate financing, low levels of value addition and the slow commercialisation of research and innovation.
Naziel said the government is implementing measures aimed at addressing these challenges and improving the competitiveness of the industry.
These include strengthening extension services for farmers, promoting climate-smart aquaculture technologies, improving access to production inputs and expanding domestic processing capacity.
Authorities are also reviewing regulatory and fiscal frameworks to attract responsible investment and improve returns for producers and processors.
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The conference, which attracted participants from 24 countries, reflected growing international interest in seaweed as a resource that can support health, nutrition and sustainable economic development.
Industry leaders used the gathering to call for stronger collaboration between governments, investors and researchers to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Murtaza Fazal, Chief Executive Officer of C-Weed Corporation and Mwani Mariculture, said the conference was designed to raise Tanzania’s profile within the global seaweed industry and explore commercial opportunities beyond traditional carrageenan production.
Carrageenan, a natural extract derived from red seaweed, is widely used as a stabiliser and thickening agent in food and industrial products.
“The sector has enormous potential, but unlocking it will require stronger investment, supportive policies, improved infrastructure and greater focus on value addition,” Fazal said.
He added that continued engagement between industry stakeholders and policymakers would be essential in removing regulatory bottlenecks, improving incentives for investors and ensuring higher incomes for seaweed farmers.
As Tanzania seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen its blue economy agenda, policymakers view seaweed farming as a sector capable of generating jobs, increasing export earnings and enhancing the resilience of coastal communities in the face of environmental and economic challenges.
