Dodoma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Burundian counterpart, Evariste Ndayishimiye, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, jointly inaugurated the ITRACOM Fertiliser Factory in Nala, Dodoma.
The two leaders presided over the commissioning of the ultra-modern facility, which has a production capacity of one million tonnes of fertiliser annually and has already generated over 1,800 direct jobs.
The plant is a product of Burundian investment on Tanzanian soil, reflecting a new chapter in East African intra-regional trade and industrial partnership.
Speaking at the event, President Samia urged ITRACOM management to establish a robust rural distribution system to ensure fertiliser reaches smallholder farmers affordably and efficiently.
“I call upon ITRACOM leadership to strengthen the fertiliser supply chain so that this crucial input reaches farmers in rural areas at affordable prices,” she said.
She also directed regional and local government authorities to intensify awareness campaigns on the proper use of fertiliser, especially the FOMI brand being produced at the facility, noting that access alone was not enough if farmers lacked guidance on correct usage and dosage.
“This education is vital to ensure that fertiliser is used effectively according to the needs of various crops and soil types,” she said, adding that improved fertiliser use would increase productivity, enhance food security, reduce poverty and create jobs, especially for youth and women.
President Samia further noted that the bilateral trade relationship between Tanzania and Burundi continues to deepen, with the ITRACOM project serving as a flagship example of cross-border industrial investment.
On his part, President Ndayishimiye described the event as historic, reflecting the region’s transformation from a legacy of conflict to one of economic cooperation and mutual prosperity.
“Previously, we came here as refugees—today we return as investors,” said President Ndayishimiye.
“I thank the Government and the people of Tanzania for their generosity and support. This plant will not only promote agricultural development but also strengthen regional unity.”
Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, praised the government’s strategic approach under President Samia in revamping agriculture, including expanding fertiliser access and strengthening the country’s input subsidy programme.
“This administration has invested over Sh700 million for fertiliser subsidies and more than Sh500 billion for cashew nut farmers. Tanzania is now supplying agricultural inputs to regional markets including Kenya and Congo.
From September 1, 2025, farmers will begin accessing fertiliser at subsidised prices,” he said.
ITRACOM managing director, Nazaire Nduwimana, recalled that construction of the facility began in 2020, when President Samia was still Vice President, and attributed its success to her steadfast leadership.
“What was once just an idea has now become a reality. Today, we produce 14 types of fertilisers, each designed to improve soil health and increase crop yields,” he said.
He also thanked President Ndayishimiye for allowing the investment to take root beyond Burundi’s borders, and acknowledged Tanzania’s welcoming investment climate.
The ITRACOM fertiliser plant is expected to significantly reduce reliance on imports, lower input costs, and boost agricultural productivity nationwide—solidifying Tanzania’s place as a regional hub for agricultural transformation and fertiliser manufacturing.
