Tanzania to establish industrial sugar factory to boost local production
TANZANIA – President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced ambitious plans to establish an industrial sugar factory in Tanga Region, targeting increased local production and reduced reliance on imported sugar.
Speaking at a public rally, she revealed that the factory will be constructed near Tanga Port, with a large-scale sugarcane plantation planned for the Pangani valley.
The initiative aims to address Tanzania’s industrial sugar deficit, currently met through costly imports, and conserve foreign exchange.
Samia emphasized that while most existing sugar factories focus on sweetener for household use, the new Tanga facility will prioritize industrial sugar production.
“We are introducing large-scale sugarcane farming in the Pangani valley. Alongside this, we are constructing a sugar factory to meet the country’s sugar demands. This will open up more opportunities and create jobs,” she stated.
Tanzania, East Africa’s third-largest sugar producer, has set a goal of achieving sugar self-sufficiency by 2027.
Local production has already climbed to 460,200 tonnes in 2023 from 300,000 tonnes in 2015, with a target of 706,000 tonnes annually by 2025-2026.
Kilombero Sugar, a key player, has invested Tsh 732 billion (US$281.16 million) to double its capacity to 271,000 tonnes by mid-2025, up from 127,000 tonnes, as confirmed by Managing Director Guy Williams to the Parliamentary Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture, and Livestock.
Beyond sugar, Samia highlighted efforts to bolster the blue economy, distributing 35 modern fishing boats capable of carrying three to five tonnes of fish and operating in deep-sea zones.
She urged recipients to maintain the boats and repay loans to sustain the program. Additionally, a new international fish market is slated for Kipumbwi, promising economic growth and jobs.
Meanwhile, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Dr Ashatu Kijaji announced that the government will sign a contract for the construction of Kipumbwi Port to support fishermen.
She also expressed interest in establishing a livestock port and requested the President’s approval for its construction in Pangani in the 2025/26 fiscal year.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
