The Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Tanzania continues generating revenue and creating jobs for the region with another 13 new local and foreign companies being allowed to start businesses within its Special Economic Zones (SEZ).

Dr Adelhelm Meru , the Economic Processing Zone Authority director-general, says, “Once these new companies start operations, about 2,346 jobs will be created and $78.35 million will be generated in the first year.”

Over the last five years the country has generated $450 million net profit from goods exported from the country’s EPZ. Since these were established within Tanzania over $700 million has been invested in the country in the process creating 14 000 direct jobs.

The EPZ scheme became operational in 2002 when Tanzania set aside 16 150 hectares of land for the development of Special Economic Zones in three of its cities in an attempt to attract foreign investment.