Tanga. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced government’s plans to establish a large-scale sugar production project in Tanga Region as part of efforts to enhance domestic sugar production and reduce reliance on imports.
Speaking during her tour of Pangani District, President Samia said sugarcane plantations will be developed in the Pangani River Basin, while the sugar factory will be constructed near Tanga Port.
“We have several sugar factories in Tanzania, but none specifically dedicated to industrial sugar production. The one we plan to build in Tanga will be the first of its kind,” she said.
She added that the new sugar project is part of the broader strategy to achieve sugar self-sufficiency and reduce the need for imports.
“By establishing this industry in Tanga, we will not only strengthen our foreign exchange reserves but also create employment opportunities for local residents,” she said.
Expanding Tanzania’s sugar industry
Tanzania’s sugar industry consists of several major producers, including Kilombero Sugar Company Limited, Mtibwa Sugar Estates Limited, Tanganyika Planting Company (TPC), and Kagera Sugar Limited.
Others include Mkulazi Sugar Factory and Bagamoyo Sugar Limited.
Currently, the country produces close to 500,000 tonnes of sugar annually, with a government target to increase production to 700,000 tonnes by the 2024/25 farming season.
The planned sugar factory in Tanga is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the supply gap, reducing the country’s reliance on imports, and stabilising local prices.
Infrastructure and fisheries development
Meanwhile, President Hassan has inaugurated the nationwide distribution of 120 modern large fishing boats and 118 support boats.
She handed over 30 out of 35 large boats, for Tanga Region fishermen, along with 60 support boats, during a ceremony in Pangani on February 26, 2025.
Additionally, she laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Mkange-Pangani-Tanga section (170.8km), which is part of the Bagamoyo-Pangani-Tanga Road (256km).
The project also involves the construction of the Pangani River Bridge (525 metres).
The road project is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade within the region.
