COAST REGION: TANZANIA is set to become a key player in Africa’s fight against malaria through a major investment in an insecticide production facility, developed in collaboration with the Cuban government.
The initiative was announced over the weekend by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, who confirmed that production has already begun at Biotech Products Limited, a factory in Kibaha, Coast Region, under the National Development Corporation (NDC).
“The government has made a strategic decision to invest significantly in our insecticide factory in Kibaha,” said Ambassador Polepole.
“Budgetary plans reflect this commitment, aligning with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision to eradicate malaria.”
He urged district councils to ensure proper fumigation procedures, following expert guidelines to maximise effectiveness in malaria control.
In addition to malaria control, the government is partnering with key stakeholders to produce ecofriendly pesticides for pest management.
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Ambassador Polepole said that these products pose no health risks, such as cancer or skin conditions and are safe for human use.
More than 20,000 litres of insecticide have been produced so far, with plans to scale up for both local use and export across Africa.
Highlighting the recent visit of Cuban Parliament President Esteban Hernandez to Tanzania, Ambassador Polepole revealed that the two nations have signed an agreement to begin local production of bio-fertilisers to support Tanzanian farmers.
“We aim to equip farmers with organic fertilisers and eco-friendly pesticides while using advanced insecticide technology to eliminate malaria,” he stated.
“This is the only facility of its kind in Africa and our goal is to extend its impact across the continent.”
During his visit, Mr Hernandez toured the 22.3 million US dollar insecticide facility in Kibaha, emphasising the importance of using its products to combat malaria and improve public health.
Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Dr Suleiman Serera, noted that the plant has the capacity to produce 1.2 million litres of insecticides annually, with potential expansion up to 6 million litres.
