On January 19, 2026, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, Minister of State for Planning and Investment Hon. Prof. Kitila Mkumbo (MP) held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Eddy Pirald, CEO of Japan Tobacco International (JTI).

The meeting, attended by Dr. Tausi Mbaga Kida, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Planning and Investment, reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to a predictable, transparent, and investment-friendly policy environment, recognising Tanzania Cigarette Company (TCC) as a major employer, compliant taxpayer, and anchor of a nationwide value chain.

Discussions also covered ongoing digital government reforms, preparations for the 2026 excise tax review, and potential new investment opportunities, including R&D collaboration, reinvestment, regional manufacturing, and expanded value addition.

Tanzania remains open for responsible, long-term partnerships that support growth, jobs, and competitiveness.

TANZANIA YA IMARISHA USHIRIKIANO WA KIMKAKATI NA JTI

Waziri wa Nchi, Ofisi ya Rais, Mipango na Uwekezaji, Mhe. Prof. Kitila Mkumbo (Mb), amefanya mazungumzo ya pande mbili na Bw. Eddy Pirald, Ofisa Mtendaji Mkuu wa kampuni ya Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Januari 19, mjini Davos-Klosters, Uswisi.

Mazungumzo hayo, yaliyohudhuriwa na Katibu Mkuu Dkt. Tausi Mbaga Kida, yamesisitiza dhamira ya Tanzania ya kuimarisha sera za uwekezaji zinazotabirika, zilizo wazi, na zenye mazingira rafiki.

Mheshimiwa Waziri, alisema kuwa Serikali ya Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan inaitambua Kampuni ya Sigara Tanzania (TCC) kama mwajiri mkubwa, mlipakodi mwaminifu, na mhimili wa mnyororo wa thamani nchini kote.

Aidha, pande hizo mbili zimejadili mageuzi ya kidijitali yanayoendelea serikalini, maandalizi ya mapitio ya kodi ya bidhaa (excise tax) ya mwaka 2026, pamoja na fursa mpya za uwekezaji.

Fursa hizo ni pamoja na ushirikiano katika utafiti na maendeleo (R&D), uwekezaji wa ziada wa faida (reinvestment), ujenzi wa viwanda vya kikanda, na kuongeza thamani ya bidhaa kwa kiwango kikubwa zaidi.

Tanzania inaendelea kuwa nchi ya fursa kwa washirika makini wa muda mrefu wanaounga mkono ukuaji wa uchumi.