The main point of entry for imports is the port of Dar es Salaam. The city of Dar es Salaam is the commercial hub of the country and is the key entry and distribution point for imported goods. From the port, goods are transported upcountry. Transportation is mainly through roads but there is a government effort to revive the railway sector through the standard gauge railway project. Secondary ports of entry are Tanga, Mtwara and Zanzibar. Distributors play a key role for the market entry and sales of U.S. goods. The Commercial Service highly recommends using a well-researched and knowledgeable distributor to be successful in the market.
Using an Agent to Sell U.S. Products and Services
Agents will fast-track the entry of U.S. firms into the Tanzanian market. The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam can assist U.S companies interested in finding local agents through a Gold Key Service (GKS). The USCS office can also arrange a physical meeting for U.S. companies to meet with local agents.
Establishing an Office
An overseas company can establish a representative office/branch through the registration of a physical office in country. The Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA) manages this process, which requires:
• Certified copies of Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• Evidence of the situation of the registered office in the original country.
• Details of Directors of the company.
• Details about representatives of the company in the country.
• Copy of most recent accounts of the company.
Upon submission of the above-mentioned documents and registration fee, a certificate of compliance is issued. Once registered, a branch has the same powers as if it were a company incorporated in the country and is therefore subject to the national legislation and taxation. Franchising Several franchise companies are currently operating in Tanzania, the majority in the food and beverage sector. Tanzania’s franchise sector is developing due to consumer demand for foreign products, hospitality, food/beverage, clothing and services. This sector represents strong opportunities for U.S. companies.
Direct Marketing
Increased internet use is expanding opportunities for direct marketing through social media channels. There are estimated to be 21.82 million internet users in the country as of 2024, an increase of 626,000 (3%) from 2023. There are over 5.65 million social media users in Tanzania: steadily increasing with internet penetration. The majority of Tanzanian and foreign firms manage active direct marketing campaigns In terms of usage, Facebook is the leading site followed by Instagram, LinkedIn, and X as of 2025 data. See additional information below under social media.
Joint Ventures/Licensing
The government of Tanzania encourages JVs between foreign and local companies, with partnerships governed by public procurement laws when the agencies want to procure goods through national and international tendering process. Preferences are provided under the procurement regulations to encourage foreign firms to team up with Tanzanian contractors, suppliers or consultants in forming joint ventures or sub-contracting arrangements. JV agreements are required under public procurement laws where a tenderer submits a bid as part of a JV.
Express Delivery
Several international companies offer express delivery services in Tanzania. These include DHL, FedEx and TNT Express. The average time for goods from the U.S. to reach Tanzania is 3 to 5 business working days.
Due Diligence
U.S. firms may contact the Embassy for referral to local business consultants to evaluate the performance and credibility of firms in Tanzania. In some cases, the U.S. Embassy can carry out an International Company Profile on a local firm. Dun & Bradstreet Credit Reference Bureaus Tanzania Limited and CREDIT INFO Tanzania Limited offer credit bureau services.