Fera is pleased to be supporting an important new initiative in Tanzania that aims to strengthen access to high-quality, accredited laboratory testing services critical to the country’s growing agri-food export sector. The initiative supports Tanzania’s ambitions to increase participation in regional and global markets by improving the systems that help ensure agricultural products meet international safety and quality requirements.
The project is led and funded by UK International Development through its UK–Tanzania Green Growth Facility (GGF) under the Productivity for Prosperity (P4P) programme, and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) based at the World Trade Organization. Fera is providing specialist technical assistance to the programme, working to the direction of the funding authorities and in close collaboration with Match Maker Associates, the in-country delivery partner, which brings deep local expertise and strong stakeholder networks.
Together, the project partners are developing a robust, evidence-based business case to inform investment decisions and support future strengthening of sustainable, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory capacity capable of serving producers, processors, exporters and regulators across Tanzania.
Over the coming months, the project team will undertake a comprehensive programme of engagement, research and analysis, including:
- Engaging with key stakeholders across Tanzania’s agri‑food system to understand priorities, challenges and opportunities.
- Assessing current and future market demand for laboratory testing services, and mapping existing laboratory capacity.
- Identifying critical gaps in infrastructure, technical skills, equipment and accreditation readiness.
- Developing practical, technically sound and financially viable options for modular, scalable laboratory services that can grow with sector needs.
- Ensuring that gender, equity and social inclusion considerations are fully integrated throughout the assessment and design process.
By supporting the strengthening of the systems that underpin testing, certification and quality assurance, this initiative aims to help Tanzanian exporters meet international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards more efficiently and reliably. Improved access to accredited laboratory services will support greater competitiveness, reduce trade barriers and open new opportunities for Tanzanian products in global markets.
Fera looks forward to working closely with the funding partners, delivery partners, stakeholders and the wider agri-food community as the initiative progresses, contributing specialist expertise to support a more resilient, inclusive and internationally connected agri-food sector in Tanzania.