Tanzania eager to join the Commonwealth Enterprise Investment Council

Tanzania is setting its sights on becoming a Strategic Partner of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), marking a significant step toward enhancing its global investment appeal and trade relations within the Commonwealth network. 

The country’s enthusiasm was underscored during the recent visit of Ms. Rosie Glazebrook, CEO of CWEIC, who engaged with top government officials and business leaders to explore economic collaboration opportunities.

Madam Rosie's visit to Tanzania was organized and at the invitation of the African Desk Group Limited.

A Long-Awaited Move

During her high-profile visit from March 5-7, 2025, Ms. Glazebrook met with key stakeholders, including government officials, business executives, and strategic investors.

A pivotal moment came during discussions with Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Tanzania’s Minister of Planning and Investment, who openly acknowledged that Tanzania was late in joining CWEIC but vowed to accelerate the country’s membership process.

“Our vision for Tanzania is to position it as a critical global investment hub. Tanzania holds significant advantages for attracting investment, including its strategic location, abundant resources, and well-established logistics infrastructure. Through CWEIC, we aim to deepen our trade relations within the Commonwealth and drive high-value investment in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy,” stated Prof. Mkumbo during a networking dinner at Serena Hotel.

He also noted that most African countries export raw materials and import a significant portion of goods that could be locally produced. Tanzania is no exception, as key sectors such as agriculture and agribusiness remain largely dependent on raw exports and imports.

For instance, 75% of Tanzania’s cotton and 85% of its cashews are exported in raw form, while the country imports 60% of its edible oil, 50% of its sugar, and more than 80% of its medicines and medical devices. These critical sectors require strategic investment to transform the economy and ensure value addition within Tanzania.

A Booming Partnership Opportunity

Tanzania’s decision to join CWEIC is driven by its goal to leverage the Commonwealth’s vast economic network. The Commonwealth, comprising 56 nations and 2.5 billion people, offers Tanzania access to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economic blocs.

According to CWEIC, intra-Commonwealth trade costs are 21% lower on average due to shared legal systems, language, and business-friendly policies.

CWEIC, as the Commonwealth’s official business network, facilitates trade and investment by linking governments and private sector players to drive economic growth.

The council has over 140 business and government strategic partners across 32 countries, and Tanzania’s membership would open doors to high-profile networking events such as the Commonwealth Business Forum and the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS).

Strategic Business and Government Engagements

During the visit, Ms. Glazebrook, alongside Dr. John Apea, a CWEIC strategic partner from Ghana, met with business leaders to discuss investment opportunities. Key engagements included meetings with Superdoll, Bankable Company, MAC Group, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. 

A crucial highlight was the Business Breakfast hosted by the Deputy British High Commissioner, Ms. Sally Medley, who convened Tanzanian business leaders to explore opportunities within the Commonwealth markets.

A strong message emerged from these interactions—Tanzania’s private sector is eager to engage with Commonwealth partners and attract international investment. Many companies expressed keen interest in becoming part of CWEIC’s network, highlighting the council’s reputation as a trusted facilitator of trade partnerships.

Tanzania’s Upcoming Role in the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum

As part of its growing ties with CWEIC, Zanzibar has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum (CTIS) in London on April 7-8, 2025.

President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, will represent the country at the summit, further solidifying Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Commonwealth investment landscape. Tanzania Mainland could be represented by the Ministers and other senior officials. 

Ms. Glazebrook emphasized the importance of Tanzania’s participation, stating, “CWEIC has a strong convening power that brings together high-level global business leaders who could be linked to the opportunities in Tanzania. Tanzania must join the CWEIC network to fully benefit from these opportunities.”

Unlocking Tanzania’s Investment Potential

Tanzania’s decision to pursue CWEIC membership aligns with its national development vision, which aims to transition the country into a middle-middle-income economy by 2025. According to the Concept Note on Tanzania’s CWEIC Membership (2025-2027), the partnership will focus on:

·         Strengthening global business connections through CWEIC’s extensive network.

·         Expanding market access and investment opportunities across the Commonwealth.

·         Facilitating trade delegations and investment forums.

·         Promoting industrial production, infrastructure, and digital transformation.

·         Enhancing engagement in high-level Commonwealth economic forums.

What’s Next?

The process for Tanzania’s integration into CWEIC is set to gain momentum following the successful visit. Prof. Mkumbo has assured that the government will expedite discussions to formalize membership.

African Desk Group Limited, CWEIC’s Strategic Partner in Tanzania, will play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth facilitation of Tanzania’s engagement with the council.

As Tanzania moves closer to officially joining CWEIC, its business community stands to benefit significantly from expanded trade links, foreign direct investment, and participation in high-profile Commonwealth business forums.

This move is expected to elevate Tanzania’s status as a key player in Africa’s economic transformation and position it as a leading investment destination within the Commonwealth.

With clear government commitment and strong private sector interest, Tanzania’s entry into CWEIC is not just a possibility—it is an economic imperative that will open new trade and investment frontiers for the nation.