The EU-Tanzania Investment and Business Forum 2026-2027 kicked off in Helsinki on 28 September 2026, with the European Union and Finland unveiling a EUR 156 million investment package to support Tanzania’s critical minerals and digital economy. The initiative, part of the Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania’s broader partnership strategy, aims to transform Tanzania’s economic potential into prosperity through targeted investments in mineral processing, digital infrastructure, and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
The Helsinki leg, hosted by Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Finnish Institute of Public Management (HAUS), and Mining Finland, focused on digitalization and critical raw materials. Finnish Political State Secretary Pasi Rajala emphasized the 60-year diplomatic relationship between Finland and Tanzania, evolving from development cooperation to a strategic partnership centered on minerals and technology. Rajala noted that European companies seek diversified supply chains, positioning Tanzania as a key player in securing battery minerals like graphite, nickel, and cobalt.
EU Delegation Head of Cooperation Marc Stalmans announced the EUR 156 million action package approved by the European Commission on 23 July 2026, designed to strengthen economic ties. He highlighted Europe’s reliance on Tanzanian minerals for strategic autonomy in battery production, citing the country’s abundant reserves of graphite, nickel, and lithium. The EU also pledged support through its Global Gateway initiative, offering guarantees, grants, and loans to catalyze private investment.
Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Dr. Pius Stephen Chaya, outlined the nation’s Development Vision 2050, prioritizing minerals, ICT, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. He stressed the need to convert investment discussions into tangible projects, emphasizing job creation and economic value. Chaya noted that investors can leverage foreign direct investment, joint ventures, and blended financing structures to enter the Tanzanian market.
The roadshow highlighted entry points for European and Finnish investors, including mineral processing, mining equipment, data centers, and submarine cables. Tanzanian officials emphasized a value chain approach, allowing investors to participate in shared infrastructure, logistics, and ESG systems rather than direct mining equity. The government also sought partners to process nickel and graphite from existing mines and neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
Finnish companies face specific opportunities in equipment and technology supply, as Finnvera and Finnfund require a Finnish economic interest in projects. Gaps in resource modeling, international certification of technicians, and ESG compliance were identified as critical areas for collaboration. In the digital sector, projects include the Kilimanjaro One submarine cable, Zanzibar’s telecom gateway PPP, and a USD 2.5 million digital hub in Fumba Special Economic Zone.
Tanzania’s former Barrick Buzwagi gold mine in Kahama has been repurposed into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for mineral processing, offering tax exemptions and infrastructure incentives. The site, now home to the Kabanga Nickel project, benefits from rail access to Dar es Salaam and existing power and water systems. TISEZA Director General Gilead Teri noted that investments over USD 50 million can negotiate tailored incentives, with projects like EcoGraf’s Epanko graphite mine and Lifezone Metals’ Kabanga nickel-cobalt project seeking funding and offtake partners.
Zanzibar’s digital ambitions include a telecom gateway PPP and a USD 2.5 million digital hub, supported by 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions. Investment Promotion Manager Farida Mohamed highlighted Zanzibar’s 650 projects worth USD 7.2 billion since 2021, with EU investments totaling USD 2.8 billion. The Zanzibar Investment Electronic Window (ZIEW) streamlines applications, offering land leases of 33–99 years and tax holidays.
Tanzania’s digital economy, backed by TZS 7 trillion in planned public spending, targets broadband expansion, data centers, and device manufacturing. The National ICT Broadband Backbone has reached 85% of its 16,280 km target, with mobile network coverage at 94.2% for 4G. The government projects a 20% annual growth in the data center market through 2030, driven by rising mobile money subscriptions and digital infrastructure needs.
Critical minerals projects face challenges in securing offtake agreements and power supply. Geological Survey CEO Ally Samaje noted that 10.3% of Tanzania’s GDP comes from mining, with plans to expand geophysical surveys to 50% by 2030. Private Investment Director Andrew Mahiga warned that remote projects require early engagement with the national grid and transport agencies, while Metso’s Chris Cruickshank offered performance guarantees to support financing.
Kabanga Nickel’s feasibility study, backed by Tanzania’s 16% free-carried interest, underscores the need for local technician training and ESG systems. The Integrated Mining Technical Training (IMTT) facility lacks international certification, prompting EU-funded expansions. Environmental Compliance Director Lilian Lukambuzi emphasized that ESG compliance could become a commercial advantage for European buyers.
EU and Finnish financing mechanisms include the EUR 26.5 billion EFSD+ guarantees, Finnfund’s EUR 302 million Africa Connected program, and Finnvera’s export credit guarantees. Pierre Canova of the European Commission urged Tanzanian businesses to partner with EU entities, while Finnvera’s Jarkko Haapiainen noted Tanzania’s Category 6 risk rating but affirmed open access for sovereign and corporate buyers.
The Helsinki roadshow concluded with site visits to Finnish mining and tech operations, followed by events in Italy and the Netherlands. The 2027 Dar es Salaam forum will precede the Mining Indaba conference, with Tanzania’s private sector urging Finnish delegations to inspect sites and negotiate incentives. The roadshow underscores a strategic shift toward sustainable, diversified investment in Africa’s mineral and digital frontiers.
The EU-Tanzania partnership highlights a dual focus on critical minerals and digital infrastructure, with implications for global supply chains and regional economic integration. By leveraging EUR 156 million in EU funding and Finland’s expertise, Tanzania aims to position itself as a key player in the green energy transition and digital transformation, while addressing challenges in financing, infrastructure, and local capacity building.
Tanzania’s mineral and digital investment drive reflects broader efforts to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors. The roadshow’s emphasis on public-private partnerships, tax incentives, and international collaboration signals a strategic approach to attract foreign capital. However, success will depend on overcoming hurdles such as offtake agreements, energy access, and skill development, as outlined by officials and industry experts.
The Helsinki event marked the first phase of a multi-stage roadshow, with future stops in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, and The Hague, Netherlands, before the 2027 Dar es Salaam forum. These engagements aim to deepen ties between Tanzanian and European stakeholders, aligning investment priorities with national development goals. The roadshow’s focus on transparency, ESG compliance, and local content underscores a commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.
As Tanzania advances its mineral and digital ambitions, the EU and Finland’s investments could catalyze significant economic transformation. The roadshow’s detailed project pipelines and financing mechanisms provide a roadmap for collaboration, though sustained progress will require addressing structural challenges and fostering local expertise. The coming months will test the viability of these partnerships in delivering tangible benefits to Tanzania’s economy and communities.