Tanzania stands at a pivotal moment in its economic development journey. Uniquely endowed with a 1,424 km Indian Ocean coastline, an Exclusive Economic Zone of 223,000 km², and major freshwater systems including Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa, the nation possesses one of the largest and most diverse blue economy resource bases in Eastern Africa. By 2025, this sector has emerged as a transformational force, contributing USD 9.6-10.5 billion (11-12% of national GDP) and supporting 4.5-6 million jobs across fisheries, tourism, ports, and coastal value chains.
With national GDP growing at 6.0% annually, the Blue Economy serves as both a growth accelerator and an employment engine. In Zanzibar, this sector's dominance is even more pronounced, accounting for nearly 60% of GDP. Yet critical questions remain: Is Tanzania fully harnessing this potential? Can persistent challenges in climate resilience, overfishing, infrastructure capacity, and gender inclusion be overcome to unlock truly transformational growth through 2030 and beyond?
| Resource Category | Specification | Area/Length | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastline | Indian Ocean | 1,424 km | Tourism, fishing, trade gateway |
| Exclusive Economic Zone | Marine territory | 223,000 km² | Fishing rights, gas exploration |
| Lake Victoria | Freshwater (shared) | 49,000 km² | Fisheries, regional trade |
| Lake Tanganyika | Freshwater (shared) | 32,900 km² | Fisheries, tourism potential |
| Lake Nyasa/Malawi | Freshwater (shared) | 29,500 km² | Fisheries, biodiversity |
| Coral Reef Systems | Total coverage | ~3,580 km² | Tourism, ecosystem services |
| Mangrove Forests | Coastal protection | ~158,000 hectares | Carbon storage, fish nurseries |
| Marine Protected Areas | Conservation zones | 15+ MPAs | Biodiversity, sustainable fishing |
| Indicator | 2020 Value | 2025 Value | Growth Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Blue Economy GDP | USD 7.74 billion | USD 9.6-10.5 billion | +6.0% annual | 11.9% (2020) → 11-12% (2025) of GDP |
| National GDP (Nominal) | USD 65 billion | USD 87.44 billion | +6.0% annual | 2025 growth rate: 6.0% |
| Ecosystem Services Value | USD 104.24 billion | USD 104+ billion | Stable | Freshwater lakes dominant |
| Zanzibar Blue Economy | ~30% of Zanzibar GDP | Approaching 60% | High growth | Target: 60% by 2025 |
| Sector | GDP Contribution | % of National GDP | Key Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fisheries (Mainland) | USD 1.57 billion | 1.8% | 430,000 direct jobs |
| Fisheries (Zanzibar) | USD 420 million | 4.8% of Zanzibar GDP | Critical for island economy |
| Coastal Tourism (Zanzibar) | USD 1.0+ billion | ~30% of Zanzibar GDP | 917,167 arrivals (2025) |
| Maritime Transport | USD 950-1,100 million | ~1.1-1.3% | 27.7M tonnes at DSM Port |
| Marine Services | USD 200-250 million | ~0.2-0.3% | Growing sector |
| TOTAL | ~USD 9.6-10.5 billion | ~11-12% | Multi-sectoral contribution |
| Year | Total Production (MT) | Aquaculture (MT) | Exports (Tonnes) | Export Value (USD M) | Key Developments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 410,500 | ~30,000 | N/A | 185 | Baseline year |
| 2021 | 419,700 | ~42,000 | N/A | 195 | Aquaculture growing |
| 2022 | 431,000 | ~68,000 | N/A | 208 | Steady growth |
| 2023 | ~376,000 | 122,096 | 42,371 | 225 | Aquaculture surge |
| 2024 | 599,200* | N/A | 59,746 | 289.6 | 41% export increase |
| 2025 | ~510,000 | 132,243** | >59,746 | 300 (target) | Record exports expected |
*Up to April fiscal year 2024 | **Up to April 2025, includes seaweed
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| National Fish Demand | 715,606 metric tons |
| Total Production | ~510,000 metric tons |
| Supply Gap | ~205,000 tons |
| Aquaculture Contribution | 8.5% of total |
| Direct Employment | 430,000 workers |
| Indirect Employment | 4.5 million |
| Country/Region | Export Volume (Tonnes) | Value (USD Million) | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | 8,500 | 95 | 42.2% |
| Middle East | 5,200 | 52 | 23.1% |
| Asian Markets | 4,800 | 48 | 21.3% |
| African Countries | 2,100 | 18 | 8.0% |
| Others | 1,200 | 12 | 5.4% |
| TOTAL | 21,800 | 225 | 100% |
| Year | International Arrivals | Revenue (USD Million) | Direct Employment | Bed Occupancy Rate | Peak Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 638,498 | ~900 | 50,000 | 68-72% | N/A |
| 2024 | 736,755 | ~900 | 50,000 | 70-75% | Pre-December |
| 2025 | 917,167 | ~1,000+ | 50,000+ | 74-81% | Dec: 100,729 |
| Market Segment | Share (%) | Key Markets | Strategic Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Visitors | 68-70% | Italy, UK, Germany, France | Dominant source market |
| Other International | 30-32% | Middle East, Asia, Americas | Growing diversification |
| Average Occupancy | 74-81% | Year-round average | High seasonal variation |
| Hotel Infrastructure | 709+ hotels (cumulative through 2023) - Continued expansion | ||
| Destination | Annual Visitors | Revenue (USD Million) | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar Archipelago | 650,000 | 1,200 | Beaches, diving, cultural heritage |
| Mafia Island | 45,000 | 85 | Whale sharks, world-class diving |
| Dar es Salaam Coast | 180,000 | 320 | Urban beaches, business tourism |
| Pangani & Saadani | 35,000 | 65 | Wildlife, pristine beaches |
| Tanga & Pemba | 55,000 | 105 | Diving, coral reef systems |
| Kilwa & Mtwara | 25,000 | 48 | UNESCO sites, beaches |
| Period | Dar es Salaam Port (Million Tonnes) | Growth Rate | Container Throughput (TEU) | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 23.69 | Base year | 700,000-1,000,000 | Infrastructure enhancements |
| 2024/25 | 27.7 | +15% | 700,000-1,000,000 | Record throughput; private partnerships |
| 2025 (Jul-Nov) | 13.97 | +34% YoY | N/A | On track for 30M target |
| 2030 Target | 30-54 | Projected | Expanded | TPA strategic plan |
| Indicator | Value/Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Current Annual Capacity | 27.7 million tonnes | 2024/25 achievement |
| 2030 Capacity Target | 30-54 million tonnes | Expansion underway |
| Private Sector Involvement | DP World & others | Berth management & operations |
| Container Handling | 700,000-1,000,000 TEU | Annual throughput |
| Regional Trade Role | Critical hub | Serves landlocked neighbors |
| Infrastructure Status | Upgrading | Berths, storage, equipment |
| Revenue Source | Amount (USD Million) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Port Services & Tariffs | 285 | 35.6% |
| Cargo Handling | 245 | 30.6% |
| Ship Services | 120 | 15.0% |
| Container Operations | 95 | 11.9% |
| Warehousing | 35 | 4.4% |
| Other Services | 20 | 2.5% |
| TOTAL | 800 | 100% |
| Indicator | Value | Status/Timeline | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore Gas Reserves | 57 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) | Proven reserves | Mining/quarrying sector growth |
| LNG Project Investment | USD 42 billion | Negotiations near completion (Oct 2025) | Major FDI attraction |
| Target LNG Production | 10 million tons/year | Development phase | Export revenue potential |
| Fifth Licensing Round | 26 blocks offered | Closed December 2025 | Offshore & Lake Tanganyika focus |
| Ntorya Gas Project | 280 MMscf/d production | Revised development plan | Domestic supply enhancement |
| Energy Source | Potential | Policy Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Power | High | National Energy Policy | Decarbonization by 2050 |
| Wind Energy | Moderate-High | Part of renewable mix | Coastal areas favorable |
| Hydropower | Established | Continued expansion | Existing infrastructure |
| Geothermal | Under development | Exploration ongoing | Long-term potential |
| Decarbonization Goal | 2050 target - National strategy aligned with global climate goals | ||
| Sector | 2020 Employment | 2025 Employment | Growth | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisheries (Direct) | ~350,000 | 430,000 | +23% | Mainland + Zanzibar |
| Fisheries (Indirect) | ~2 million | 4.5 million | +125% | Value chain expansion |
| Tourism (Direct - Zanzibar) | 40,000 | 50,000 | +25% | Growing sector |
| Tourism (Indirect) | ~150,000 | 180,000+ | +20% | Hospitality, transport |
| Zanzibar Labor Force in Blue Economy | ~30% | ~33% | Increasing | Critical for island economy |
| TOTAL BLUE ECONOMY | ~2+ million | 4.5-6 million | +150%+ | Direct & indirect combined |
| Program/Project | Funding Source | Amount (USD) | Timeline | Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAFSAM Project | World Bank | $227 million | 2025-2030 | Marine resource management, livelihoods |
| EU Blue Economy Support | European Union | EUR 110 million (~$120M) | 2025+ | Climate-resilient management, job creation |
| LNG Development | Private sector + Gov't | $42 billion | Negotiations 2025 | Gas extraction & export infrastructure |
| ZADEP (Zanzibar) | Multiple sources | N/A | Ongoing | 60% GDP target, sustainable tourism |
| Fisheries Sector Plan | Government | N/A | 15-year plan | Sustainability & production growth |
| Focus Area | Estimated Investment Need | Priority Level | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Infrastructure | $500-800 million | High | Capacity: 30-54M tonnes by 2030 |
| Fisheries Sustainability | $227 million (TAFSAM) | Critical | Climate resilience, stock recovery |
| Tourism Infrastructure | $150-250 million | High | Sustainable growth, job creation |
| Marine Conservation | $120 million (EU) | High | Ecosystem protection, climate adaptation |
| Gas & Energy Development | $42+ billion | Strategic | Export revenue, energy security |
Severity: 9/10
Impact: Fish stock decline
Affected Areas: Fisheries, coastal communities
Mitigation: TAFSAM project, EU funding (EUR 110M)
Severity: 8/10
Impact: 205,000 ton demand gap
Affected Areas: Food security, livelihoods
Mitigation: 15-year fisheries plan, aquaculture expansion
Severity: 7/10
Impact: Port congestion
Affected Areas: Trade, regional competitiveness
Mitigation: TPA expansion to 54M tonnes
Severity: 8/10
Impact: Underutilized workforce
Affected Areas: Economic inclusion
Mitigation: ZADEP, job creation programs
Severity: 7/10
Impact: Limited women's participation
Affected Areas: Equity, productivity
Mitigation: Seaweed farming (25,000 women employed)
Severity: 8/10
Impact: Lost value addition
Affected Areas: Export revenues
Mitigation: Investment in processing facilities
Investment: $42 billion secured
Impact: 10M tons/year production
Timeline: 2025-2030+
Status: Negotiations near completion
Investment: TPA investments
Impact: 30-54M tonnes capacity
Timeline: By 2025 target
Status: On track
Investment: 26 blocks (5th round)
Impact: Attract exploration investment
Timeline: 2025+
Status: Licensing closed Dec 2025
Investment: EUR 110M (EU) + TAFSAM
Impact: Sustainable production increase
Timeline: 2025-2030
Status: Funded & launching
| Indicator | 2025 Baseline | 2030 Target | Annual Growth Rate | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Economy GDP Contribution | USD 9.6-10.5 billion (11-12%) | USD 15-18 billion | 8-10% | LNG, tourism, fisheries growth |
| Total Employment | 4.5-6 million | 6.5-8 million | 6-7% | TAFSAM, tourism, gas sector |
| Fish Production | ~510,000 tonnes | 715,000+ tonnes | 6-8% | Close demand gap via aquaculture |
| Tourism Revenue (Zanzibar) | USD 1.0+ billion | USD 2.0-2.5 billion | 12-15% | Sustainable tourism expansion |
| Port Throughput (DSM) | 27.7 million tonnes | 30-54 million tonnes | 8-12% | TPA expansion, regional trade |
| Fisheries Exports | USD 300 million | USD 450-550 million | 8-10% | Value addition, new markets |
| LNG Production | Development phase | 10 million tons/year | N/A | $42B project completion |
With continued focus on sustainability, climate adaptation, and infrastructure development, Tanzania's Blue Economy is projected to reach USD 15-18 billion by 2030, cementing its role in achieving Tanzania Development Vision 2050. The sector's transformation from a high-performing contributor to a transformational pillar depends on addressing climate resilience, closing the fish production gap, enhancing value addition, and ensuring inclusive growth that benefits coastal communities, women, and youth.
| Policy/Program | Year Launched | Investment/Budget | Key Objectives | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Blue Economy Policy | 2020 | N/A | Framework for sustainable ocean economy | Active implementation |
| TAFSAM Project | 2025 | $227 million (World Bank) | Marine resource management, livelihoods | Launched |
| EU Blue Economy Initiative | 2025 | EUR 110 million | Climate resilience, job creation | Active |
| 15-Year Fisheries Sector Plan | 2025 | Government budget | Sustainability, production growth | Implementation phase |
| ZADEP (Zanzibar) | Ongoing | Multi-source | 60% GDP target, eco-tourism | Approaching targets |
| Fifth Gas Licensing Round | 2025 | Revenue from licenses | Attract exploration investment | Closed December 2025 |
| TPA Expansion Strategy | Ongoing | Private + public | 30-54M tonnes by 2030 | On track |
| Marine Protected Areas Program | 2020+ | Conservation budget | Ecosystem protection | Expanding coverage |
Tanzania has made remarkable progress in developing its Blue Economy, with record-breaking performance across all sectors in 2025. The sector now contributes over USD 10 billion annually and supports millions of livelihoods. Strategic investments totaling over $42.3 billion position the sector for transformational growth.
However, the answer to whether Tanzania is fully harnessing this potential is nuanced: while the foundation is strong and momentum is building, significant opportunities remain untapped. The 205,000-ton fish supply gap, limited value addition, gender disparities, and climate vulnerabilities indicate that Tanzania is on the right trajectory but has not yet maximized its blue economy potential. Success through 2030 will require sustained investment, policy implementation, and inclusive approaches that ensure coastal communities, women, and youth benefit equitably from this blue revolution.
Official Sources: Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Tanzania Ports Authority, Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, World Bank TAFSAM Project, European Union Blue Economy Initiative, Tanzania Investment Centre, National Energy Policy
Last Updated: January 2025 with official 2025 performance data
Coverage Period: 2020-2025 with projections through 2030
Prepared by: TICGL - Tanzania Investment Centre for Global Leadership