DAR ES SALAAM: VICE President Dr Philip Mpango on Friday presented awards for the best industrial product producers, with the tobacco company -Alliance One- taking the top prize in the President’s Manufacturer of the Year’s Awards (PMAYA).
The awards are organised annually by the Confederation of Tanzanian Industries (CTI).
Alliance One won the award in the category of major tobacco product producers, where more than 42 other companies competed.
Speaking at the event, Dr Mpango challenged the producers with five key points, including the importance of nurturing and growing emerging industries so they can thrive and withstand the global economic shocks.
He also stated that factory owners must strengthen environment conservation efforts, including improving recycling processes.
Dr Mpango encouraged industrialists to come up with a solid strategy that will create more job opportunities for unemployed youth in urban areas. He noted that the government is already working to adapt the country’s education system to better align with available job opportunities.
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The Vice President also urged the CTI to develop a youth-centred strategy and warned stakeholders to prepare for the fight against the influx of counterfeit products, which are damaging the local market.
Speaking on behalf of Alliance One Tobacco Company, Mr John Magoti expressed gratitude to the CTI for recognising the company’s contribution to the industrial sector, particularly in agriculture.
He noted that the award reflects the strong collaboration between the company, its employees and other stakeholders in the tobacco sector.
Mr Magoti said that the company was well-prepared to continue processing tobacco locally, aiming to further develop this small sector and increase foreign exchange earnings for the country.
“We are committed to improving environment conservation in our factories and we are now focusing more on utilising solar energy during the day. This is a specific plan, as our sector is as well an environmentally friendly contrary to what people tend to think about us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Exaud Kigahe said the government will collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure the country benefits from the upcoming African Free Trade Area, which is expected to officially begin in 2025.
For his part, CTI Chairman Paul Makanza thanked the responsive government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan for listening to and addressing the challenges faced by industrialists.
The overall winners of the awards were the Tanzania Cigarette Company Limited (TCC), followed by Plascon and ALAF.
