France

In 2020, total bilateral trade between France and Tanzania reached approximately 136 million euros, anchored by five leading French companies now operating in the country.

France maintains an active economic and diplomatic engagement with Tanzania, spanning trade, tourism, energy, and logistics.

The relationship has deepened with the creation of the French-Tanzanian Chamber of Commerce in January 2020 and the entry of Air France into the Tanzanian aviation market.

France and Tanzania: Overview of Bilateral Relations

France, officially the French Republic, is a country primarily located in Western Europe, with a population estimated at over 69.1 million in 2026 and Paris as its capital and main economic centre.

France-Tanzania relations cover trade, investment, tourism, and diplomatic exchanges.

The bilateral framework is supported by the French-Tanzanian Chamber of Commerce, established in January 2020 to structure engagement between the private sectors of both countries.

Trade Between France and Tanzania

In 2020, total bilateral trade between France and Tanzania was approximately 136 million euros.

French exports to Tanzania are concentrated in four major sectors: mechanical equipment, electrical, electronic, and IT equipment.

Imports from Tanzania into France are mainly forestry, fish, and agro products.

All imports from Tanzania to France are duty-free and quota-free, with the exception of armaments, under the European Union's Everything but Arms initiative.

French Companies Operating in Tanzania

Five major French companies anchor France's corporate presence in Tanzania and form the founding members of the French-Tanzanian Chamber of Commerce.

Leading French Investors

The five companies are AGS Group, Bolloré, ENGIE PowerCorner, Maurel & Prom, and TotalEnergies.

These firms are active across logistics, relocation services, rural electrification, upstream oil and gas, and integrated energy.

TotalEnergies and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline

TotalEnergies is the largest shareholder in the multi-billion dollar East African Crude Oil Pipeline project, one of the most significant energy infrastructure investments involving Tanzania.

Tourism and Air Connectivity

France is an important tourist market for Tanzania.

In 2022, over 100,000 French citizens visited Tanzania, with a major focus on Zanzibar.

Air France operates flights from Paris to Zanzibar, and from June 2023 will operate direct flights from Paris to two cities in Tanzania.

This expanded connectivity strengthens the tourism corridor between France and Tanzania and supports broader business travel.

Policy and Institutional Framework

The creation of the French-Tanzanian Chamber of Commerce in January 2020 provides a structured platform for dialogue between French companies and Tanzanian counterparts.

At the European Union level, Tanzania benefits from the Everything but Arms initiative, which grants duty-free and quota-free access to the French market for all products except armaments.

High level state visits have also contributed to sustaining the diplomatic and economic dialogue between the two countries.

Investment Opportunities Linked to France

Energy remains a leading area of opportunity, with French involvement in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and in decentralised rural electrification signalling scope for additional projects in generation, transmission, and off-grid solutions.

Logistics, transport, and supply chain services present openings tied to the presence of established French operators serving Tanzania's ports and corridors.

Tourism-linked investment is supported by growing French visitor numbers and direct air connectivity from Paris, creating demand for hospitality, tour operations, and services in Zanzibar and mainland destinations.

Agro-processing, fisheries, and forestry products offer export-oriented opportunities, benefiting from duty-free and quota-free access to the French and wider European market.

Mechanical, electrical, electronic, and IT equipment distribution channels align with the structure of French exports and open room for joint ventures and local assembly.

Last Update: July 2026