The Export and Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) is advocating for increased investment in the automotive industry, particularly in vehicle and spare parts manufacturing, to mitigate Tanzania's heavy reliance on imported products and reduce the import bill.
Ms. Blandina Mwasamwene, EPZA Promotion Officer, emphasized the abundant opportunities within the automotive sector during a recent tour to over 20 industrial investors licensed by EPZA in Dar es Salaam, aimed at promoting investments in Export Processing Zones (EPZ) and Special Economic Zones (SEZ).
According to Ms. Mwasamwene, EPZA provides licenses and various incentives to investors looking to establish operations in EPZ and SEZ areas, facilitating growth and job creation within these designated zones.
Yusuph Khalfan, Director of Spincast Engineering, a local factory specializing in car and machine parts manufacturing, highlighted their commitment to producing high-quality cylinder liners and sleeves that meet international standards using modern mechanical engineering technology. Khalfan emphasized that the factory, employing 20 people, aims to contribute to the domestic automotive industry by supplying essential parts for vehicles and machines.
Moreover, Khalfan noted that Spincast Engineering provides youth with skills development opportunities to operate modern machinery, aiming to expand their reach into the African market, targeting countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a separate statement, Gabriel Richard, Administration and Human Resources Officer at SB Plastics EPZ Limited, discussed the company's operations in plastic bottle recycling. He explained that the factory, operational since 2013 and employing 93 individuals (87 Tanzanians and 6 foreigners), specializes in shredding plastic bottles into flakes for export to various countries. Richard emphasized the indirect employment opportunities generated by the factory through bottle collection activities across the city.
Richard mentioned that SB Plastics EPZ Limited, licensed by EPZA to operate within an EPZ area, exports its products predominantly to South Africa, Morocco, Germany, Turkey, China, India, and other European and Asian countries.
EPZA's encouragement of investments in automotive manufacturing and plastic recycling aligns with Tanzania's goal of enhancing domestic production capabilities and reducing import dependency, ultimately fostering economic growth and sustainability within the country's industrial sector.