China backs Tanzania’s industrial drive through manufacturing

DAR ES SALAAM: China has reiterated its commitment to deepen cooperation with Tanzania in industrial development, reinforcing a growing partnership centred on manufacturing, technology transfer and skills development.

The assurance was delivered by China’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, during a visit to Saturn Corporation Limited’s HOWO truck assembly plant in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, yesterday.

The ambassador toured the facility at the invitation of the company’s management. The plant hosts the largest Sinotruk assembly operation in Tanzania and is among the country’s leading promoters of China’s HOWO heavy-duty vehicle brand, including tractor trucks, tippers and genuine spare parts.

The visit underscored the strengthening partnership between Saturn Corporation and Sinotruk International, China’s globally respected state-owned truck manufacturer, while also reflecting broader economic cooperation between China and Tanzania.

During the tour, Ambassador Chen expressed satisfaction with the company’s progress since its establishment.

“I have witnessed how Saturn Corporation is working to elevate and strengthen the relationship between China and Tanzania through this plant,” she said. “I am pleased to see that Saturn has built a comprehensive and strategic partnership with Sinotruk.”

She noted that both countries have already committed to initiatives supporting Africa’s industrial transformation, with Tanzania emerging as an important partner in that process.

“We have a lot to accomplish together between China and Tanzania,” she said, highlighting expanding opportunities in manufacturing, industrial investment and technology cooperation.

Ambassador Chen also commended the company’s plans to work with the Government of Tanzania to support skills development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. She noted that China remains committed to initiatives that equip Tanzanians with technical and engineering skills required in modern industry.

Saturn Corporation was established in 2021 to support Tanzania’s rapidly expanding transport and logistics sector by supplying reliable heavy-duty vehicles and professional after-sales services.

Its Kigamboni assembly plant was officially inaugurated in May 2024 by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, marking a significant milestone in Tanzania’s industrialisation drive.

Since then, the facility has developed into one of the most advanced truck assembly plants in East and Central Africa, helping reduce dependence on imported vehicles while strengthening local manufacturing capacity.

Saturn’s Chief Operations Officer, Mehul Sachdev, said the Kigamboni facility has quickly evolved into a key production hub supporting the country’s logistics and transport sectors.

“Today the plant has the capacity to assemble and customise heavy-duty trucks serving major sectors including construction, mining, logistics, agriculture and infrastructure development,” he said.

He added that the facility currently produces up to 22 tractor trucks daily, translating to approximately 536 units per month, making it one of the region’s most active truck assembly plants.

Sachdev attributed this progress to the company’s partnership with Sinotruk International, whose engineering and manufacturing expertise has enabled Saturn to introduce global assembly standards while adapting vehicles to local market requirements.

Through its operations, Saturn Corporation has created more than 330 jobs for Tanzanians, including technicians, engineers and support staff. Additional employment has been generated through supply chains, transport services and spare parts distribution networks nationwide.

The company is also pursuing internationally recognised certifications, including ISO 9001 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety, to align its operations with global manufacturing standards.

Saturn management confirmed that discussions with Sinotruk International are underway to expand assembly operations to include pick-ups and light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles ranging from one to 50 tonnes.

The company expects cumulative production to reach 10,000 heavy-duty vehicles by 2027, further strengthening Tanzania’s transport and logistics sector while supporting the country’s industrial growth.

Accompanying the ambassador during the visit were Saturn Corporation directors Chirag Tanna, Rehmatulla Habib and Kalpesh Mehta, Chief Operations Officer Mehul Sachdev, General Manager Upendra Chandraker and officials from Sinotruk International.