UK royal visitor Princess Sophie over the weekend officiated at the launch of an ambitious horticulture exports accelerator programme (HEAP), which the stakeholders say will transform the country’s horticultural exports landscape.

Invited with assistance from the Tanzania High Commission in the UK, the Duchess of Edinburgh graced the event coloured by the motto “race to a $2bn” horticulture export earnings, anchored in the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA). 

This programme is geared to raise horticulture exports to the UK and the European Union, where the $2bn goal in earnings is projected for 2030, with TAHA CEO Dr Jacqueline Mkindi affirming that HEAP will equip local exporters with competitive tools needed to take up market parts arising from preferential trade agreements. 

Local producers will be provided with the skills and resources necessary to meet international market standards. 

TAHA's comprehensive approach focuses on strengthening the entire horticulture value chain, enhancing export volumes and fostering sustainable partnerships with UK and European firms, she said. 

Key priorities include capacity building, establishing strong trade linkages and ensuring compliance with international standards, she further asserted, while UK High Commissioner Marianne Young praised the work TAHA pursued with the Tanzanian High Commission in the UK.

Applauding the partnership was exciting, she pointed at UK support to unlock the agro-sector potential, including investments in climate-smart agribusiness.

The UK recently unveiled a developing countries trading scheme, thus bringing up the need to address challenges that local firms face in accessing the UK and wider markets.

Under the current initiative, 15 local firms’ executives will travel to the UK this week for a fresh produce consortium event, providing an opportunity to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers. 

"This programme will help put Tanzanian products on UK supermarket shelves, boosting job creation and incomes," she further noted, while High Commissioner Mbelwa Kairuki highlighted HEAP's potential to drive economic growth and enhance international cooperation, Local producers need to meet global standards for a sustainable horticulture trade, he stated.

Gerald Mweli, the Agriculture permanent secretary, said HEAP is a transformative initiative with a major role in fostering meaningful partnerships in global markets. The government was committed to creating a supportive business environment for investments and ensuring the successful implementation of HEAP, he daid. 

Frank Nyabundege, Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) managing director, affirmed the initiative's potential to uplift portions of the youth and women via horticulture. 

Overall, HEAP represents a significant step forward in enhancing Tanzania's horticultural exports and establishing a more competitive presence in international markets, he added.