THE Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) has launched a new office in the UK, within the Tanzanian High Commission in London.

Dr Jacqueline Mkindi, the TAHA CEO referred to this initiative at the 18th annual general meeting here yesterday, noting that the move is a significant step in expanding the country's horticultural export industry. 

Setting up a dedicated liaison facility follows the late October 2024 deal where eight Tanzanian exporters secured agreements to deliver 960 metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables to Britain, estimated at $2.8m annually.

This accord was the mainstay of the Horticultural Exports Accelerator Programme (HEAP) to enhance Tanzania's global presence, eyeing the UK market firstly.

The CEO was appreciative that the office facilitated new opportunities for growers of fruits, vegetables and spices to connect with buyers, improving market access and fostering stronger ties between local exporters and buyers in the UK and elsewhere.

"This office will be key in advancing our mission to expand Tanzanian horticultural exports to new markets," she said, underlining that it highlights the importance of public-private sector collaboration in securing global market access.

Local exporters will benefit from its strategic location where consultant Maarten Boeye will be at hand to oversee logistics and market linkages.

The key focus is the UK while seeking to expand into markets such as Belgium, the Netherlands, India and the Gulf countries, she stated.

The HEAP initiative is supported by the UK government and strategic partners like Palladium Impact, which runs the UK-Tanzania Green Growth Facility, with Boeye expressed excitement about the potential opportunities.

There are ample openings particularly for spices like vanilla, which could find new markets in places like India, Dubai and China, he stated.

TAHA is also participating in the European Fruit Logistica 202 trade fair in Berlin with a 24-person delegation, showcasing Tanzanian horticultural products, including avocados, ginger, bitter gourds, and French beans. 

This event provides an important platform for Tanzanian exporters to explore new market opportunities across Europe, Asia and Africa, reducing dependency on traditional markets, the CEO noted.

The fair is expected to address logistical challenges, like occasional Red Sea supply chain disruptions, seeking to diversify market routes and strengthening supply chain management.

The HEAP programme is tied to plans to reach $2bn export value by 2030, equipping local producers with the tools to meet international market requirements and leverage free trade agreements, she added.