The Tanzanian government has expressed optimism that the ongoing expansion projects of sugar factories in the country will significantly contribute to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production.
Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of Kilombero Sugar Company’s factory expansion project in Morogoro Region, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasised the transformative impact of these investments in addressing the recurring sugar shortage that has forced the country to rely on imports, leading to substantial foreign currency expenditure.
“The expansion of this factory has overarching gains, including safeguarding our foreign currency, which could be spent on other activities instead of importing sugar to address the shortage,” President Samia stated. She added that the combined expansions across various sugar producers are expected to significantly bridge the sugar gap by next year.
The Kilombero Sugar Company’s expansion project, worth $292 million (approximately 800 billion Tanzanian shillings), has reached 83% completion and is scheduled to be completed in June 2025. Once operational, the project will increase the company’s sugar production from the current 127,000 tonnes to around 272,000 tonnes.
President Samia commended the Kilombero Sugar Company’s decision to undertake the expansion, noting that similar projects are also underway at other sugar-producing firms in the country, including Mkulazi Holding Company and Mtibwa Sugar Estates. She emphasised the government’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for the growth of local sugar industries.
Additionally, the President highlighted the potential for sugar factories to play a critical role in the production of ethanol for clean cooking, contributing to the transition to greener energy.
Kilombero Sugar Company’s Board Chairman, Ambassador Ami Mpungwe, praised President Samia’s presence at the event, stating that it underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to uplifting local industries in the sugar sub-sector.
The Treasury Registrar, Mr. Nehemia Mchechu, noted that the Kilombero Sugar Company’s expansion project can produce up to 50% of the country’s sugar demand once operational. He also mentioned that the company currently provides over 4,500 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect ones, with the expansion expected to generate new employment opportunities.
President Samia also visited the Ifakara Substation, a 20 billion Tanzanian shilling project aimed at strengthening the availability of electricity in the Kilombero, Ulanga, and Malinyi districts.
The government’s focus on expanding sugar production through these factory projects underscores its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in the sector and reducing the country’s reliance on sugar imports.