By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanzania has lauded Dutch investors for driving a transformative wave in its seed industry, marking a new chapter in the country’s agricultural development. Speaking at the inauguration of the country’s first-ever Vegetable Breeders Forum held at the World Vegetable Center on the outskirts of Arusha on 18th June, 2025, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Gerald Mweli, extended heartfelt gratitude to Dutch institutions and companies for their central role in reshaping the seed sector—especially in the vegetable segment.
Addressing the forum in a speech delivered on his behalf by senior ministry official Philbert Philemon, Mr. Mweli highlighted the long-standing and strategic partnerships between Tanzania and the Netherlands as a catalyst for significant growth.
Thanks to these collaborations, local farmers now have broader access to high-yield hybrid and improved seed varieties, which are translating directly into better harvests, job creation, and an uptick in exports.
But the shift goes far beyond agriculture. With productivity soaring and new markets opening up, the ripple effects are being felt across sectors. Arusha—long known as the safari capital of Tanzania—is now gaining prominence as a hub of agritech innovation and global investment interest.
The intersection of agriculture and international trade is reshaping how Tanzania is perceived by the world. With Dutch firms bringing not just capital, but expertise and long-term vision, there’s a palpable buzz of optimism in corridors far beyond farmland: from tour operators who now blend agri-tours into itineraries, to young entrepreneurs eyeing new business models linking tourism, food, and farming.
Mr. Mweli underlined how these developments are fostering the transfer of modern agricultural technologies and best practices, spurring knowledge exchange between local and international breeders, and creating decent, inclusive jobs, particularly for women and youth. He added that the benefits extend even further, contributing to Tanzania’s food and nutrition security, foreign exchange earnings, and overall resilience of smallholder farmers.
Data from the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) paints a striking picture: between 2023 and 2024, Tanzania’s vegetable seed exports skyrocketed by 348%, from 266.6 tons to 1,195.584 tons.
Export revenue surged by 229%, climbing from $23.09 million to $76.01 million. The Netherlands emerged as the top importer in 2023, accounting for more than half of Tanzania’s vegetable seed exports, followed by Italy and Egypt, reflecting not only growing global demand but a recalibrated strategy in market diversification.
Recognizing the seed industry as the bedrock of a thriving agricultural economy, the Tanzanian government has committed to enhancing research, regulation, and public-private partnerships. Mr. Mweli stressed ongoing policy reforms aimed at streamlining seed import and export processes, supporting local multiplication, and expediting registration and variety release procedures. He also emphasized Tanzania’s active participation in regional efforts under SADC and EAC seed protocols to harmonize seed standards, making cross-border trade smoother and more efficient.
“We will continue to work hand-in-hand with breeders, researchers, private sector actors, and development partners,” Mweli said. He credited platforms like TAHA, TASTA, AGCOT, the Netherlands Embassy, TOSCI, and the World Vegetable Center for being the backbone of this journey.
Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO of TAHA, offered a deeply personal reflection on the 20-year journey of the association. She credited the seed capital provided by the Netherlands government for laying TAHA’s foundation and steering the horticulture sector toward international recognition. “The seed of transformation was planted years ago,” she said. “Today, we harvest the fruits of enduring partnerships and shared vision.”
TAHA, under Dr. Mkindi’s leadership, remains committed to evidence-based advocacy and inclusive development. She revealed plans for a national horticulture stakeholders’ forum in July 2025 in Dar es Salaam, which will focus on logistics, cold chain systems, fiscal and tax policy reform, and market access—especially in emerging Asian markets.
Dr. Mkindi, who also chairs the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa (HoCEA), emphasized the critical need to ensure that seeds and inputs remain a top priority in both national and regional policy agendas. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, TAHA is mapping irrigation needs and offering borehole drilling support, urging breeders to register for this opportunity. “This is about building resilience,” she noted. “This is how we future-proof our food systems.”
From the vantage point of the World Vegetable Center, Associate Director General for Africa, Dr. Gabriel Rugalema, emphasized how public-private partnerships are proving to be the lifeblood of innovation. Limited resources, he said, can go further when the strengths of the public and private sectors are brought together.
Echoing these sentiments, TASTA CEO Bob Shuma credited Dutch involvement for establishing a strong research and investment backbone in Tanzania’s seed ecosystem. “This isn’t just about business—it’s about building a legacy of shared progress,” Shuma stated.
Outgoing Netherlands Ambassador HE Wiebe de Boer, a key architect behind this success story, spoke with quiet pride. “Tanzania is now home to globally respected Dutch seed breeding companies offering high-quality vegetable seeds for local use and international export,” he said. “But even more valuable than the seeds is the spirit—willingness to share knowledge, invest in people, and co-create a sustainable agricultural future.”
De Boer acknowledged that while progress has been significant, more work lies ahead—particularly in developing a stronger pipeline of skilled vegetable breeders and creating inclusive platforms for collaboration. Still, the registration of 16 new seed potato varieties stands as testament to how far the country has come. “We planted trust, and now we reap transformation,” the Ambassador concluded.
From lush fields to global trade corridors, Tanzania’s seed revolution—nurtured by Dutch cooperation—is taking root in the economy, in livelihoods, and yes, even in how the world sees the nation. This isn’t just about agriculture. It’s about growth, grit, and a new chapter that’s only just beginning.
