Govt unveils plans to revive dormant factories
DODOMA: THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to reviving all non-operational factories across the country, with the aim of reducing dependence on imports, creating jobs, conserving foreign currency and boosting national revenue.
Minister for Industry and Trade Dr Selemani Jafo, made the announcement in the National Assembly yesterday while responding to a question from Arusha Urban MP Mrisho Gambo, who sought updates on the government’s plans to revive Tanzania Pharmaceutical Industries (TPI) and the General Tyre factory in the northern zone.
“Honourable Speaker, the government has a clear strategy to restore operations in all dormant factories across the country to address the high cost of importing goods, reduce job losses, preserve foreign exchange and increase revenue,” said Dr Jafo.
He revealed that the government is currently in the final stages of initiating renovation and machinery repairs at several sites. “Once the rehabilitation is completed, production will resume,” he added.
On the issue of the Arushabased General Tyre factory, Dr Jafo explained that the government, through the National Development Corporation (NDC), is actively searching for a strategic investor to restart domestic production of vehicle tyres.
He further noted that a comprehensive analysis of factories across the country is underway, beginning with those in Tanga and Morogoro regions. The goal is to reach the government’s target of establishing over 9,000 new industries.
Dr Jafo acknowledged that some of the strategic factories built during the leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere were later privatised, while others ceased operations due to various challenges.
“However, the government is working tirelessly to bring these factories back to life, as part of its broader plan to boost the manufacturing sector and expand employment opportunities for Tanzanians,” he stressed.
