Tanzania’s Warehouse Receipts System Workshop: A Numerical Overview

Dodoma, Tanzania – December 5, 2024 – A workshop focused on enhancing Tanzania’s Warehouse Receipts System (WRS) convened public and private sector leaders in Dodoma, generating substantial discussions and recommendations. Co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Warehouse Receipts Regulatory Board (WRRB), and the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT Centre Ltd.), the event highlighted the following numbers.  

Key Numbers Highlighted

• 28% of warehouses in Tanzania are currently licensed under the WRS.  
• 50% of licensed warehouse operators cited expanding their client base as a key reason for obtaining a license.  
• 72% of warehouses in Tanzania are unlicensed, primarily due to a lack of awareness regarding the benefits of the WRS.  
• 246 warehouses are currently registered in Tanzania.  
• 1,954 additional warehouses are needed in Tanzania, with an estimated construction cost of 246.2 billion shillings.  
• This year, 400 metric tons of commodities are expected to be traded through the official WRS.  

Recommendations emphasized

• Awareness & Capacity Building: The workshop stressed the importance of educating stakeholders on the benefits and processes associated with the WRS.  
• Digitalization: Integrating digital solutions for warehouse registration, licensing, and receipt issuance was a key focus to streamline processes and enhance transparency.  
• Public-Private Partnerships: A key strategy was highlighted to build strong partnerships to support community-based warehouses, especially for smallholder farmers.  

Outcomes

The workshop fostered a collaborative environment for key stakeholders to discuss and formulate essential reforms to strengthen the WRS in Tanzania. The insights and recommendations generated are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the WRS, promoting agricultural growth, and improving market access for farmers across the country.