DAR-Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, today received the Ambassador of Italy to Tanzania, Ambassador Giuseppe Sean Coppola who paid a courtesy call at State House in Dar es Salaam.
The Ambassador was accompanied by a delegation from the Danieli Group, a leading global steel technology and engineering firm, who expressed interest in exploring a potential investment in Tanzania’s steel sector.
During the meeting, the delegation presented their preliminary interest in the possible development of a modern, large-scale steel plant in Mtwara, in partnership with a Tanzanian private sector entity.
The engagement builds on earlier discussions initiated during the Tanzania-Italy Business and Investment Forum and subsequent technical consultations with Tanzanian institutions, including the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority and relevant ministries.
The proposed project, which remains at an exploratory stage, is estimated at approximately EUR 1.5 billion (about TZS 4.2 trillion) and would be implemented in phases, subject to further assessments and approvals.
Speaking during the meeting, Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan welcomed the interest and reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to facilitating strategic investments that align with national priorities.
“Tanzania continues to position itself as a competitive and reliable investment destination, supported by our natural resource base, strategic location, and ongoing reforms to improve the business environment,” she said adding that, “We welcome partnerships that add value to our resources, create jobs for our people, and contribute to our long-term vision of building an industrial economy.”
The Ambassador of Italy noted that the engagement reflects growing cooperation between Tanzania and Italy under broader economic partnership frameworks.
“The interest expressed by the Danieli Group is part of a wider effort to deepen collaboration between our two countries, including through the Mattei Plan for Africa,” he said.
“This initiative seeks to promote sustainable, mutually beneficial investments, and Tanzania stands out as a key partner in this regard. At this stage, we are exploring possibilities and look forward to working closely with the Government of Tanzania as discussions progress.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Danieli Group, Mr. Giacomo Mareschi Danieli, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the company’s interest.
“We see strong potential in Tanzania, not only because of its natural resources such as gas and mineral ore, but also due to its growing market and strategic position in the region,” he said.
“Our approach is based on long-term partnership - bringing advanced, environmentally responsible technology, while working with local partners to develop skills and build sustainable industrial capacity. This is an initial step, and we are committed to further technical engagement to assess the project’s feasibility.”
If realised, the proposed investment could contribute significantly to Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda under Vision 2050 by supporting domestic steel production, reducing imports, promoting value addition to local resources, and creating employment opportunities.
It could also strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional hub for steel production, particularly for neighbouring land-linked countries, while supporting the development of infrastructure and logistics in the Mtwara corridor.
President Samia reiterated the Government’s openness to credible investors who bring not only capital, but also technology, skills transfer, and long-term commitment to Tanzania’s development.
The meeting underscored Tanzania’s continued attractiveness as an investment destination and the shared commitment by both sides to explore opportunities that deliver sustainable economic value and inclusive growth.