Kigoma unveils vast untapped fortunes in agriculture, industry, tourism, and mining

KIGOMA: KIGOMA Region has unveiled vast untapped economic opportunities in agriculture, industry, tourism, and mining, as it seeks to attract investors and accelerate growth.

Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Simon Sirro, revealed this when opening the Lake Tanganyika Trade and Investment Conference in Kigoma Region on Wednesday, noting that the region holds significant potential that remains underutilised, limiting its contribution to both local livelihoods and the national economy.

During the conference, Sirro highlighted the availability of vast arable land suitable for both food and cash crops, alongside opportunities for agro-processing industries to add value to agricultural produce. He also pointed to the region’s tourism attractions and mineral resources as key investment areas.

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According to the ambassador, the region is well-positioned for large-scale cultivation of crops such as avocado, oil palm, and cassava, while Lake Tanganyika remains a strategic resource supporting significant fisheries production.

He further underscored recent infrastructure improvements, including expanded tarmac road networks linking Kigoma to neighbouring regions, reliable electricity supply, improved air transport services and the ongoing construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which will connect the region to neighbouring Burundi.

Sirro used the forum to invite both local and foreign investors to tap into the region’s opportunities, stressing that increased investment will create jobs, boost production, and help lower the cost of goods.

He added that the conference aims to showcase Kigoma’s economic potential and foster strategic investment partnerships to drive development not only in the region but across the wider East African Community.