United Republic of Tanzania Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment

With a growing economy, favourable geographic location and rapidly developing innovation ecosystem, Tanzania is well-positioned to integrate into the global digital economy. Economic growth over the last decade has averaged 6 to 7 per cent per year and the medium-term outlook is positive, with growth projected at 6.6 per cent in 2019 and 2020.Large public investment projects and continued foreign direct investment bode well for the future, and there is growing awareness of the benefits of new technologies (as seen by the widespread use of mobile money). Tanzania's economy has also become more diversified over the last decade. While agriculture continues to be the mainstay for the vast majority of the population, emerging sectors such as finance and communications are propelling the economy forward. Export of manufactured goods to regional markets is also growing. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) contribute to 27 per cent of the GDP and employ more than 5.2 million people . More than half of the MSMES are owned by women. As a coastal economy bordering eight countries, six of which are nearly or completely land-locked, Tanzania is well-situated to expand as a regional trade hub. E-commerce has the potential to boost the country's economy by creating new employment opportunities, diversifying sources of income and creating new value chains. For MSMEs in particular, digital technologies provide the potential to improve access to new and existing markets and customers. There is also immense development potential in tourism.