Tanzania’s exports to South Africa have surged sharply over the past five years, signaling deepening economic ties between two of Southern Africa’s most important economies. Driven largely by gold shipments, bilateral trade between the two Southern African Development Community members has expanded to an estimated 5.7 trillion Tanzanian shillings, reinforcing Tanzania’s growing role as a regional trade and logistics player.
According to a recent report by the Tanzania Trade Development Authority, commonly known as TanTrade, trade flows between Tanzania and South Africa consistently favored Dar es Salaam between 2020 and 2024. The data highlights gold as the dominant export commodity, accounting for the lion’s share of Tanzania’s earnings from the South African market.
Gold exports fuel Tanzania–South Africa trade expansion
TanTrade’s bilateral trade report shows that Tanzania’s exports to South Africa nearly doubled over the five-year period. Export values rose from an average of 1.145 billion US dollars in 2020 to about 2.293 billion US dollars in 2024, equivalent to approximately 5.7 trillion Tanzanian shillings. This represents an increase of roughly 2.84 trillion shillings, underscoring the scale of growth achieved in a relatively short period.
Gold was the standout driver of this expansion. Shipments of the precious metal increased significantly, with export values rising from about 1.075 billion US dollars in 2023 to roughly 2.226 billion US dollars in 2024 alone. This sharp increase reflects both higher volumes and strong global demand for gold, positioning Tanzania as a key supplier to South Africa’s refining and trading ecosystem.
Beyond gold, Tanzania’s export basket to South Africa remains diverse. Other major exports include tobacco, coffee, tea, avocados, cashew nuts, and oilcake, alongside manufactured and semi-processed goods such as cotton T-shirt singlets, ceramic flags and paving materials. This diversification supports broader participation across Tanzania’s agricultural and light manufacturing sectors.
Imports from South Africa also rise steadily
While Tanzania enjoys a favorable trade balance, imports from South Africa have also grown steadily, reflecting increased industrial and consumer demand. TanTrade data shows that Tanzania’s imports from South Africa rose from about 344 million US dollars in 2020 to approximately 531 million US dollars in 2024.
Key imports during this period included vehicles, iron and steel building materials, electrical machinery, plastics and related articles, as well as beverages such as spirits and vinegar. Tanzania also imported paper and paperboard, essential oils, chemical products, medical and optical equipment, and sugar-related products. These imports highlight South Africa’s role as a major supplier of industrial inputs and finished goods to the Tanzanian market.
Diplomatic efforts strengthen economic cooperation
Tanzania’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho, James Bwana, attributed part of the trade growth to deliberate diplomatic and economic initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. According to the envoy, the High Commission has prioritized platforms of cooperation that promote trade, investment, and tourism across its areas of accreditation.
Between 2024 and 2025, these efforts included initiatives to enhance the branding of Zanzibar as a tourist destination and the facilitation of institutional partnerships. One notable outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards and the South African Bureau of Standards in March 2025, a move expected to ease standards compliance and market access for goods.
Air connectivity boosts trade and tourism
Improved air connectivity has played a critical role in supporting the surge in trade and people-to-people movement. In 2024, Tanzania’s High Commission successfully worked with the South African Civil Aviation Authority to facilitate Air Tanzania in obtaining a Flying Operation Permit. This enabled the national carrier to resume direct flights to South Africa.
Since November 29, 2024, when Air Tanzania resumed flights to Johannesburg, through December 2025, the airline transported approximately 26,268 passengers and airlifted more than 202,700 tonnes of cargo. These operations significantly improved the movement of goods and services between Tanzania and South Africa, while also strengthening links with Botswana, Lesotho, and other Southern African countries.
The relaunch of direct flights connecting Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Victoria Falls has improved access for tourists and business travelers alike. According to the High Commissioner, this enhanced connectivity has boosted investment flows, supported Air Tanzania’s expansion in Southern Africa, and positioned Tanzania as a more competitive travel and trade hub within the Southern African Development Community region.
Outlook for 2026 and beyond
Looking ahead, Tanzania expects trade with South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho to accelerate further in 2026. Plans are underway to sign additional memoranda of understanding in the first quarter of the year, aimed at expanding market access for agricultural products, strengthening investment cooperation, and scaling up intra-regional tourism.
With strong gold exports, diversified trade flows, improved air connectivity, and proactive diplomacy, Tanzania’s trade relationship with South Africa is entering a new phase. The sustained growth in exports and deeper regional integration point to Tanzania’s rising influence within Southern Africa’s economic landscape and its ambition to serve as a key gateway for trade, investment, and logistics in the region.
