Speaking at the opening of the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), President Chapo said closer cooperation between the two economies could unlock significant opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, energy, agriculture and infrastructure while strengthening Africa's industrialisation agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
"Our economies are more complementary than competitive," President Chapo told delegates. "The combined potential of Tanzania and Mozambique creates a unique opportunity to strengthen regional value chains, expand trade, attract investment and establish a dynamic economic platform connecting East and Southern Africa."
His remarks come as African governments seek to accelerate intra-African trade, diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on imported manufactured goods through greater regional economic integration.
President Chapo said Tanzania and Mozambique possess strategic advantages, including access to the Indian Ocean, abundant natural resources, expanding transport corridors and a growing youthful workforce that can support industrial growth and cross-border commerce.
He said the theme of this year's trade fair reflects Africa's broader ambition to promote industrial development, technological innovation, logistics connectivity and investment-led growth as foundations for long-term economic transformation.
Calling for a shift from political cooperation to deeper economic integration, President Chapo said the historic relationship between Tanzania and Mozambique should now translate into stronger commercial partnerships.
"If our founding leaders secured political freedom, it is now our responsibility to achieve economic freedom by transforming geographical borders into corridors of prosperity," he said.
He encouraged governments, investment promotion agencies and the private sector to strengthen collaboration in order to facilitate trade, industrial investment and business partnerships across the region.
President Chapo also urged international investors to view Tanzania and Mozambique as an integrated investment destination rather than separate markets, citing opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture and agribusiness, mining, tourism, transport and logistics, the blue economy, digital technologies and strategic infrastructure.
"The generation of our founders achieved political independence. Our generation must achieve Africa's economic independence by turning cooperation into shared prosperity," he said.
A key element of his vision is greater coordination among regional ports along the Indian Ocean. President Chapo called for the ports of Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Pemba, Nacala and Beira to operate as complementary logistics gateways serving regional supply chains instead of competing for cargo.
According to him, closer collaboration between the ports would reduce transport costs, improve supply chain efficiency, facilitate cross-border trade and strengthen the region's competitiveness in international markets.
President Chapo also praised Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan for advancing regional economic integration and creating an investment-friendly environment that has strengthened commercial ties between the two countries.
He concluded by inviting Tanzanian, regional and international businesses to participate in the 56th Maputo International Fair (FACIM) later this year, saying the event would provide another platform to deepen investment partnerships and expand trade between the two Indian Ocean economies.
The annual Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair is one of East Africa's largest business exhibitions, bringing together governments, investors and companies from across Africa and beyond to promote trade, investment and regional economic cooperation.
Notes to Editors
– President Daniel Chapo used the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair as a platform to advocate stronger economic integration between Tanzania and Mozambique.
– The remarks align with broader African efforts to implement AfCFTA objectives by promoting regional value chains and reducing dependence on imported manufactured products.
– Tanzania and Mozambique share strategic advantages including extensive coastlines along the Indian Ocean, natural resources, growing transport infrastructure and expanding consumer markets.
Media Contact:
Information Services Department and Office of The Chief Government Spokesman
E-mail: maelezotv@gmail.com
Phone: +255 754 750 765, +255 754 698 856, +255 759 714, +255 713 381 904
Availability: EAT, UTC +3