SIX memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed on the sideline of the official opening of the Tanzania–Japan Business, Investment and Tourism Forum in Osaka yesterday,

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa presided at the forum and witnessed the signing, including a cooperation agreement in the oil and gas sector between the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Japan’s JGC Corporation, earlier known as the Japan Gasoline Co.

Other agreements included partnerships between the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and Axcel Africa, and between the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and Axcel Africa, where the Japanese firm will strive to land investments on either part of the country.

The Tanzania Geothermal Development Co. (TGDC) signed a pact with Toshiba Energy Systems, while Tokushukai Medical Corporation teams up with the University of Dodoma and adjacent Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in the capital.

A tripartite agreement was also inked involving the University of Dodoma, the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and Japan’s Africa Economic and Development Association (AFRECO).

Dr Selemani Jafo, the Industry and Trade minister, the MoUs illustrate efforts to release the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to position Tanzania as a premier destination for investment.

“The government’s focus on trade, investment and tourism is intended to accelerate economic growth and job creation. We are targeting sectors such as commerce, infrastructure, tourism, the blue economy and strategic investments — areas where Japan has proven expertise,” he stated.

Special attention is being given to developing agriculture through agro-processing, modern irrigation systems, alongside value addition in the mining sector, he said.

In his remarks, the premier reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening international trade partnerships, connecting Tanzanian producers with global markets, including Japan, to harness growing investment and export opportunities.

The forum was a key component of Tanzania’s participation in the World Expo Osaka 2025 and a platform to advance strategic economic goals, the third occasion top officials have held high-level discussions with Japanese investors and business leaders, he stated.

“We have presented the range of investment opportunities available in Tanzania, and the results are increasingly evident in our growing bilateral trade,” he declared.

By March 2025, 24 Japanese firms had invested in Tanzania, undertaking projects valued at $42.7m and creating employment for more than 1,100 individuals, he said.

In addition to private-sector engagement, Tanzania benefits from bilateral cooperation with Japan through development assistance in agriculture, infrastructure and other key sectors, he pointed out.

Omar Said Shaaban,  the Trade and Industrial Development minister for Zanzibar  said that Zanzibar is fully prepared to seize new investment opportunities created by the newly fangled partnership.

The ongoing development of industrial zones in Duga Zuze and Chamanangwe in Pemba are potential investment areas, he said, displaying an investment opportunities brochure prepared by the Zanzibar Chamber of Commerce, chiefly.

The publication was launched by the premier and distributed to Japanese business executives at the forum, where blue economy aspirations came up for special mention.

Zanzibaro was interested in a modern, sustainable processing of marine products, especially fish, meanwhile as Latifa Khamis, Tanzania’s overall supervisor for its participation in the World Expo Osaka 2025 said the forum. was designed to build synergies between Tanzanian and Japanese businesses.

The show administrator who is also the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) director general, said key sectors highlighted at the forum include energy, mining, agriculture, banking, tourism, investment and health — all offering mutual growth potential through joint collaboration.