Farmers urged to tap opportunities in Tanzania’s growing sugar industry

DODOMA: TANZANIANS, particularly farmers, have been urged to take advantage of opportunities emerging from investments in the sugar industry by actively participating in sugarcane farming and related value-chain activities, as the sector continues to create opportunities for increased household incomes, employment and economic activity in surrounding communities.

The call was made by Kilombero Sugar’s Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Victor Byemelwa, during an interaction with the media at the ongoing Nane Nane Exhibition in Dodoma.

Byemelwa said Kilombero Sugar’s K4 Factory represents a major investment in Tanzania’s sugar industry, significantly strengthening domestic production capacity and supporting the country’s ambition to achieve greater sugar self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports.

He said the investment is expected to deliver a significant boost to sugar production while creating greater opportunities for sugarcane farmers, businesses, employees and communities across the wider value chain.

“The K4 investment represents a major step forward in strengthening Tanzania’s domestic sugar production. Beyond increasing sugar output, it is creating greater opportunities for sugarcane farmers, employment, businesses and communities across the wider value chain,” said  Byemelwa.

He said the impact of K4 extends beyond sugar production, noting that the investment also has the potential to increase electricity generation from sugarcane by-products, contributing to Tanzania’s energy supply and strengthening Kilombero Sugar’s contribution to the national grid.

Meanwhile, Kilombero Sugar’s Corporate Affairs and Communications Director,  Derick Stanley, said the Company is focused on further expanding sugar production to meet growing domestic demand and contribute to the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.

Stanley said Kilombero Sugar expects to work closely with outgrower farmers who are projected to supply approximately 1.5 million tonnes of sugarcane, with the crop expected to generate more than TZS 150 billion in income for farmers, strengthening household incomes and stimulating economic activity within producing communities.

“We are continuing to invest in expanding production capacity and building the long-term resilience of Tanzania’s sugar industry. These investments are not only about producing more sugar; they are about strengthening the entire value chain, creating greater opportunities for farmers and supporting Tanzania’s industrial development,” said  Stanley.

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Speaking about Kilombero Sugar’s participation in the Nane Nane Exhibition in Dodoma, Commercial Director,  Fimbo Butallah, said the Company is using the platform to bring its products and services closer to consumers and stakeholders while providing information on sugar production, sugarcane farming and Kilombero Sugar’s contribution to Tanzania’s agricultural and industrial development.

He said Nane Nane provides an important platform for Kilombero Sugar to engage directly with farmers, customers and other agricultural stakeholders, understand their priorities and strengthen partnerships aimed at increasing productivity and creating greater value across the agricultural value chain.