Tanzania's horticulture sector has experienced significant growth over the years. Between 2022 to 2023, production rose from 7.90 million tons to 8.43 million tons, while exports increased from US$290.1 million to US$417.7 million. This growth presents opportunities for international market access and improved food security. However, food safety remains a critical challenge due to weak SPS implementation and traceability systems. These challenges have led to interception of consignments in international markets due to contaminants such as Salmonella spp., unauthorized pesticides, as well maximum residues of chemicals.
To improve Tanzania's capacity to align with international standards and facilitate safe trade, the Ministry of Agriculture through the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) and the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2017 (renewed from 2021-2026). Under this MoU, the Ministry of Agriculture delegates responsibility for selected plant health inspection services to GreenCert Limited, a subsidiary company under TAHA.
The purpose of this PPG is to carry out a feasibility study to ascertain a business case/viability to strengthen the lab testing capacities of GreenCert Limited. Subject to the findings of the feasibility study, the PPG may also develop a targeted project proposal that addresses key gaps to strengthen GreenCert's position as a leading testing service provider that meets the needs of private and public stakeholders in Tanzania.