TADB rescues, boosts dairy firm, business in Kilimanjaro

ARUSHA: THE Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) has significantly boosted Galaxy Food and Beverages Ltd, enabling the company to overcome production challenges and expand the market for its Kilimanjaro Fresh dairy products.

This move is creating jobs and strengthening the country’s dairy value chain.

Galaxy’s Production Manager, Augustine Lyana, noted that prior to partnering with TADB, the company faced major challenges, including limited milk processing capacity, heavy reliance on external farmers for raw milk, and restricted market reach beyond the Arusha region. “These challenges were stalling the company’s growth,” Lyana stated yesterday.

Through TADB’s support, Galaxy has established a modern dairy farm with 240 milking cows, installed a new advanced UHT production line, and expanded its distribution network beyond Arusha to Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Mwanza. The company now aims to penetrate the East African market.

“This partnership has brought about significant economic and social transformation,” Lyana added. “We’ve created over 200 jobs—mostly for youth and women—improved the quality and safety of our milk products, and strengthened the dairy value chain. Tanzania is now ready to compete in the regional market at international standards.”

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Tanzania’s dairy sector remains full of potential. According to the Ministry of Livestock, the country produces around 3 billion liters of milk annually, yet only 12% is processed industrially. Experts argue that this low processing rate limits the country’s ability to maximize its livestock resources and add value to dairy products.

Galaxy currently processes fresh milk, fermented milk (mtindi), yogurt, ghee, and cheese. With its increased production capacity, the company is setting its sights on broader East African markets. Sector analysts say Galaxy’s success story highlights how strategic investment can transform agribusiness and drive local industrial growth.

“Following TADB’s support of the Kilimanjaro Fresh factory, we’ve seen positive outcomes, including an improved dairy value chain and enhanced food security due to increased milk availability,” said Samson Siyengo, TADB Business Development Officer.

Siyengo added that over 200 employees, most of them youth and women, have secured jobs. “They’ve expanded their market reach within and beyond Arusha, and are now working on strategies to enter regional and international markets—driving national economic growth,” he said.

Currently, Kilimanjaro Fresh products—including fresh milk, fermented milk, yogurt, ghee, and cheese—are available in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Mwanza, with plans to expand into East African markets.

This investment comes at a time when the dairy sector in Tanzania is growing rapidly but still requires capital and technology to meet rising demand. TADB’s initiative demonstrates how local financial institutions can drive agribusiness, enhance food security, and boost rural incomes.