The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) has made significant strides in promoting the international trade of agricultural crops by enhancing its plant quarantine and phytosanitary services. Through robust systems, improved infrastructure, and alignment with international standards, TPHPA has ensured Tanzanian crops meet global requirements, opening new markets and driving economic growth. Central to these advancements is the Strengthening Plant Health Services in Tanzania for Improved Food Safety (STREPHIT) project, which has enabled TPHPA to meet international obligations and improve trade efficiency.
Strengthened Plant Health Services and Expanded Market Access
The Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Services Unit at TPHPA oversees the import and export of agricultural crops, ensuring compliance with phytosanitary standards at border points, ports, and airports. According to Musa Chidinda, Acting Manager of the unit, this includes farm inspections for crops destined for international markets, particularly the European Union. By coordinating Tanzania’s plant health measures, the unit ensures adherence to domestic and international regulations.
TPHPA currently operates 38 border posts, with additional ones under development to cater to exporters’ needs. These posts ensure agricultural imports and exports comply with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards. Tanzania’s commitment to global trade is reflected in its ratification of multilateral agreements, including the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) SPS Agreement, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and regional frameworks within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC). These agreements help Tanzania’s agricultural exports enter international markets seamlessly, avoiding delays and restrictions.
Advancements in Phytosanitary Certification Through Technology
A major achievement has been the digitisation of the phytosanitary certification process. Previously, TPHPA issued physical certificates, which were time-consuming and prone to delays. Through the STREPHIT project, TPHPA now issues electronic phytosanitary certificates (E-Phyto), a modernised system that enables the exchange of certification data with key markets like Kenya and Israel. This advancement has streamlined the export process, reduced costs, and fostered trust between Tanzanian exporters and international markets.
E-Phyto eliminates the need to follow up on physical certificates, making trade more efficient and predictable. This transformation exemplifies how the STREPHIT project has modernised operations and boosted TPHPA’s capacity to facilitate international trade.
Real-Time Data for Enhanced Decision-Making
TPHPA now tracks import and export volumes in real-time, leveraging advanced systems to generate daily reports from its 38 border posts. This capability enables policymakers, farmers, and traders to make informed decisions, improving market access and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Before STREPHIT’s reforms, Tanzania faced frequent non-compliance notifications from international markets, particularly the European Union, risking export bans. TPHPA previously received up to 100 notifications annually, but this has now dropped to near zero. As Musa Chidinda notes, “We now receive between zero and one non-compliance notification, a remarkable turnaround from the past.”
Strengthened Legal Framework
Operational improvements have been complemented by significant legal advancements. The Plant Health Act No. 04 of 2020 and updated regulations introduced in 2023 provide a strong legal foundation for inspections, surveillance, and certification processes. These laws ensure exporters adhere to international phytosanitary standards, safeguarding the integrity of Tanzania’s agricultural exports.
Additionally, the establishment of the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), with TPHPA as the implementing body, ensures compliance with IPPC standards. This strengthens Tanzania’s commitment to global plant health requirements and enhances market access for its agricultural products.
Improved Inspection Capacity and Infrastructure
The STREPHIT project has bolstered TPHPA’s inspection capacity. Previously reliant on visual examinations, the authority has now established 14 mini-labs at border posts and larger laboratories in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. These facilities enable thorough testing and inspection of agricultural consignments, ensuring they meet phytosanitary standards before export.
These enhancements have accelerated the inspection process, improved accuracy, and boosted confidence in Tanzanian exports. Consequently, market demand for Tanzania’s crops has increased.
Recognitions and Economic Impact
TPHPA’s reforms have garnered national and international recognition. In 2024, the authority received the Prestigious Honour for Economic and Social Contribution from President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. TPHPA also recorded an operational dividend of 3.79 billion Tanzanian shillings in 2024, underscoring its economic contributions.
The improvements have significantly boosted export volumes. For instance, avocado exports rose from 7,000 metric tons four years ago to 18,000 metric tons, with projections of 40,000 metric tons by 2025. Overall agricultural exports increased from 2.8 million tons in 2022/2023 to 3.5 million tons in 2023/2024. New market access for crops like peppers, which once took up to ten years to enter markets such as South Africa, now takes six months to a year.
Towards a Global Centre of Excellence
Looking ahead, TPHPA aspires to become a global centre of excellence in plant health and phytosanitary services. With continued support from the STREPHIT project, Tanzania aims to increase agricultural export revenues to $5 billion by 2030, up from $2.3 billion today.
The benefits of these reforms are evident across the agricultural sector. Improved market access has increased farmers’ incomes, particularly for crops like cashew nuts, benefiting growers in regions such as Mtwara and Lindi. Enhanced opportunities in agriculture are also encouraging youth and women to participate, supporting the Ministry of Agriculture’s vision for an inclusive and sustainable agricultural future.
The transformation of Tanzania’s plant quarantine and phytosanitary services under the STREPHIT project has been a game-changer for the country’s agricultural trade. Improved inspection capabilities, streamlined certification processes, and strengthened legal frameworks have positioned Tanzania as a competitive player in international markets. These advancements not only boost economic growth but also empower Tanzanian farmers to thrive in the global economy, contributing to food security and national prosperity.