Summary
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Tanzania Forestry Sector Investment Guide, aimed at attracting more investment and showcasing opportunities across the country’s forestry value chain.
DAR ES SALAAM: FINLAND has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s forestry sector through enhanced investment, innovation and private-sector collaboration following the successful convening of the Finnish Forest Day 2026 in Dar es Salaam.
Organised by the Embassy of Finland in Tanzania in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania through the FUNGUO Innovation Programme, the event was held under the theme “Doing Business with Finland.”
The forum brought together business leaders, investors, government officials, development partners, entrepreneurs and forestry experts from both Finland and Tanzania to strengthen commercial partnerships and promote sustainable growth within the forestry sector.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Tanzania Forestry Sector Investment Guide, aimed at attracting more investment and showcasing opportunities across the country’s forestry value chain.
Speaking during the event, Finnish Ambassador to Tanzania, Theresa Zitting underscored the importance of business partnerships in unlocking the sector’s potential.
“Strong business partnerships are essential for unlocking the full potential of Tanzania’s forestry sector. Finnish Forest Day provides a unique opportunity for companies, innovators and investors from both countries to build relationships, exchange knowledge and identify practical opportunities for collaboration,” she said.
The programme featured presentations on investment opportunities in Tanzania’s forestry industry, showcases by Finnish companies, a structured business matchmaking session and an exhibition of sustainable forestry solutions from both countries.
Representing the government of Tanzania, the Director of Forestry and Beekeeping in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Daniel Pancras, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with the country’s development priorities.
“Tanzania’s forestry sector holds significant untapped potential, and Finland has been among our most consistent and constructive partners in realising it. This kind of direct business engagement is exactly what is needed to translate our shared ambitions into jobs, value addition and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The event also provided a platform for Finnish institutions and companies to present their services to Tanzanian stakeholders, creating new opportunities for collaboration and access to co-financing mechanisms that support business expansion and international partnerships.
Speaking on behalf of Finnfund, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Minnamari Marttila highlighted the transformative role of business-to-business engagement in driving sustainable development.
“Finnish Forest Day creates an environment where companies can move beyond introductions and begin building meaningful commercial relationships through knowledge exchange, technology transfer, investment and long-term business cooperation,” she said.
Another major attraction of the event was the showcase of enterprises supported through the #GreenCatalyst Initiative, a Finland-funded financing window under UNDP’s FUNGUO Innovation Programme.
The initiative complements Finland’s TZS 61 billion FORLAND Project, further strengthening support for sustainable and inclusive growth in Tanzania’s forestry sector.
Through its first round of financing, the GreenCatalyst Initiative has invested more than TZS 1 billion in 14 enterprises engaged in sustainable forestry, value-added wood processing, climate-smart technologies and circular economy solutions.
These investments build on Finland’s longstanding commitment to Tanzania’s forestry industry. Over the past decade, Finland has invested approximately €45 million (about TZS 136.3 billion) in the sector, supporting sustainable forest management, skills development, innovation and private-sector partnerships that contribute to both economic growth and environmental conservation.
UNDP Tanzania’s FUNGUO Programme Manager, Joseph Manirakiza, said partnerships are critical for helping innovative businesses grow and access wider markets.
“Innovation thrives when entrepreneurs have access not only to financing, but also to networks, markets and partnerships. Finnish Forest Day is exactly the kind of platform our #GreenCatalyst entrepreneurs need to connect, grow and scale their innovations,” he said.
Among the enterprises featured at the event was Wazo Tanzania, East Africa’s first Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) manufacturer. The company’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Musa Malick, described the forum as a valuable opportunity for emerging businesses.
“Finnish Forest Day has created a unique platform to showcase Tanzania’s potential in advanced timber technologies. The exchange of knowledge with Finnish companies is invaluable as we continue scaling innovative solutions for the region,” he said.
The 2026 Finnish Forest Day reaffirmed Finland’s belief that sustainable forestry development requires more than financial investment. It also depends on strong networks, strategic partnerships and market linkages that enable innovative enterprises to thrive and create lasting social, economic and environmental impact.
As Tanzania seeks to unlock the full potential of its forestry resources, Finland remains committed to working alongside the government, private sector and local communities to build a more sustainable and prosperous future.
