The Rice Council of Tanzania (RCT), in partnership with key public and private-sector stakeholders, convened the Tanzania Rice Quality and Innovation (TRQI) Event in Mbeya under the theme “Quality of Tanzania Rice: A Gateway to Regional and Global Markets.” The event brought together over 100 actors from across the rice value chain to strengthen collaboration and identify practical solutions for improving rice quality and competitiveness.

Key Focus Areas

Discussions and demonstrations focused on rice quality standards and certification, modern processing technologies, value addition, market access, innovation, and investment opportunities. Participants also showcased locally developed innovations from 15 rice-producing clusters and engaged in business-to-business (B2B) networking to explore commercial partnerships.

Key Outcomes

The event strengthened stakeholders’ understanding of quality and certification requirements, increased awareness of modern milling and sorting technologies, and created opportunities for commercial partnerships and investment discussions. It also generated evidence on operational and policy challenges for further national-level advocacy and increased visibility of Tanzania’s rice sector through national media coverage.

Stakeholder Voices

Stakeholders emphasized that quality improvement requires action across the entire value chain. TARI highlighted the importance of combining better seed, agronomy and milling technology, while EAGC stressed that consistent quality, grading and compliance are essential for unlocking Tanzania’s regional rice trade potential.

The Mbeya Deputy RAS further emphasized the need to strengthen the branding and identity of Tanzanian rice, moving beyond bulk production towards a recognized quality product capable of competing in premium regional and global markets.

Why It Matters

Tanzania has significant potential to expand its rice market domestically and across the region. However, realizing this potential requires consistent quality, improved processing, stronger market linkages, appropriate technology, effective standards and coordinated action among value-chain actors. TRQI provided a practical platform for turning these priorities into partnerships, investments, innovations and policy actions that can strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Tanzania’s rice sector.