Mtwara Region has continued to emerge as a key investment hub in Tanzania’s salt industry.
The region benefits from favourable coastal conditions, improved business regulations and rising production levels.
Salt miners and producers are now benefiting from new economic opportunities.
These include higher production, employment growth and expansion of production sites.
The government has also reduced the cost of salt mining licences.
The move has eased operational expenses for producers and encouraged more investment in the sector.
Speaking in a special interview, Resident Mines Officer for Mtwara Region, Winnifrida Mrema said the salt sector in the region continues to grow rapidly.
She attributed the progress to improved production activities and the use of modern salt processing technologies.
She said the improvements are aimed at increasing the quality of salt for domestic, industrial and livestock use.
The sector is also creating employment opportunities for residents living near salt farms.
“Mtwara has favourable conditions for salt production and the government continues to encourage investment in this sector in order to increase income for citizens and the nation as a whole,” said Ms Mrema.
At Mnete Village in Nalingu Ward, Mtwara Rural District, salt farm supervisor Salum Amani said the farms are owned by Zamda Khatibu.
They operate under two salt harvesting licences and have 24 evaporation ponds used for production.
He said workers are currently cleaning the ponds after the rainy season to allow saltwater to flow in ahead of the next production cycle.
According to Mr Amani, salt production depends heavily on weather conditions.
Strong sunshine allows salt to dry within 30 days, while colder conditions can extend the process to 40 days.
“Normally, four evaporation ponds produce about 90 tonnes of salt in one season. These activities also provide jobs for nine workers in this area,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Mtwara Regional Salt Producers Association and Chairperson of the Salt Committee under FEMATA, Khalfan Nassoro said the government’s decision to improve the business environment has strengthened confidence among producers and investors in the industry.
