Tanzania readies to host Pan-African pork industry summit

DAR ES SALAAM: OVER 1,250 international and local delegates are expected to attend a major pan-African pork industry summit set to take place in the country from September 11 to 13, this year.

The event will be hosted at Ubungo Plaza in Dar es Salaam, marking a significant milestone for Tanzania’s fast-growing pig farming sector.

The summit, organized by the Tanzania Association of Pig Farmers (TAPIFA), will bring together pig farmers, traders, researchers, policymakers, and investors from across the continent.

Speaking today during a media briefing, the TAPIFA Chairperson Doreen Maro said at least nine African countries have already confirmed participation, with 250 delegates expected from outside Tanzania. In total, no fewer than 10,000 people are projected to participate, both in-person and online.

“This is a great opportunity for Tanzanians to learn, explore, and invest in a sector that is growing rapidly but remains underappreciated,” said Ms Maro.

“Pig farming is no longer a backyard activity. It is becoming a key player in national food security and economic growth.” She added.

TAPIFA, which represents both small- and large-scale pig farmers in the country was officially registered in 2016 and began operations in 2017.

 The association has been at the forefront of advocating for farmers’ rights, market access, and improved breeding and feeding technologies.

According to Ms Maro, pig farmers in the country face major challenges, including a severe shortage of licensed slaughterhouses. Existing facilities often exploit farmers by taking valuable internal organs and leaving them with only limited meat.

“Farmers are being shortchanged. We need regulations and investments that protect them and ensure they get value for their hard work,” she added.

Another pressing issue facing the industry is the recurring outbreak of swine fever, which continues to undermine productivity and farmer confidence.

The upcoming summit, themed around value chain development in the pork industry, aims to address these challenges by introducing new technologies, improved breeding techniques, and modern feeding practices.

 It will also feature exhibitions on September 11 and 12 at Ubungo Plaza, showcasing innovations in pig farming equipment, feeds, genetics, and veterinary care.

The guest of honour will be former Prime Minister Mizengo Peter Pinda, a known advocate for agricultural transformation.

Joseph Kurwa, Regional Officer for the Meat Board in Dar es Salaam, said that the government’s support for initiatives has promote pig farming and market development.

“We are working hard to encourage more people to engage in pig farming. The opportunities are vast, and demand is growing fast,” he said.

Organizers hope the summit will help raise awareness and boost domestic pork consumption.

The summit follows successful editions held in South Africa in 2022, Nigeria in 2023, and Ghana in 2024. Tanzania will now take center stage this year, signaling the country’s emerging leadership in the sector.

“This is not just a conference, it’s a movement to revolutionize pig farming in Africa,” Mr Kurwa said.