Tanzania Eyes Investments Into Sugar Production

Ashatu Kijaji Minister for Investment Industry and Trade of Tanzania

The newly appointed Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Dr. Ashatu Kijaji urged investors to come to Tanzania to develop industrial sugar factories and benefit from the many areas set aside for investment.

Minister Kijaji made the remarks while briefing the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) investigation into the shortage and rising prices of soft drinks that occurred from October to January 2022 due to the unavailability of industrial sugar connected to the lack of containers to transport cargo to the country.

In this regard, she assured Tanzanians that the Government will continue to take steps to increase efficiency in the removal of cargo at the port, improve transportation on the highway and strengthen the transit of border crossings as it has established a system for issuing permits to import industrial sugar through such permits.

Simultaneously, the Government will work on attracting investment in industrial sugar production in the country to eliminate dependence on imports of sugar.

“I urge investors to come to the country to invest in industrial sugar factories because there are many areas set aside for investment, a situation that will help prevent the recurrence of the sugar shortage because it will be produced locally and not imported,” Minister Kijaji said.

She also added that the Government will continue to create an enabling environment for trade and investment in the country with the aim of building a strong industrial economy.

Tanzania Sugar

Tanzania’s sugar annual demand is estimated at 710,000 tonnes in 2019 versus a local production of 439,100 tonnes in the same year.

Sugarcane farming and processing in Tanzania is very limited and cannot meet the national demand and the gap is filled with sugar imports.

Want to know more about Industry in Tanzania? Our free Tanzania Business and Investment Guide 2026 covers Industry, plus regulations, key sectors, and investment opportunities—all in one place.

Download Free Guide
Related Posts
Tanzania Judith Kapinga industry ministry budget 2026-2027
Read More

Tanzania Industry and Trade Budget 2026/2027 of TZS 137.81 Billion to Fund Liganga-Mchuchuma Iron Project and AfCFTA Market Access

Tanzania's TZS 137.81 billion Industry and Trade Budget 2026/27 will fund the Liganga iron and Mchuchuma coal integrated project, with Chinese state-owned Shudao Investment Group (SDIG) and the National Development Corporation expected to sign joint venture agreements in the first half of 2026/27 to develop the iron and coal mines and a steel processing plant. The project is projected to save Tanzania USD 1.22 billion annually in foreign exchange and create 6,500 direct jobs.
Russia Maxim Reshetnikov Tanzania Kitila Mkumbo
Read More

Tanzania and Russia Agree to Open Industry, Energy, and Infrastructure to Joint Investment

Tanzania and Russia have agreed to deepen investment cooperation in industry, energy, transport infrastructure, and air transport, with value-addition processing, production technology, and goods transportation named as priority areas at the Third Joint Intergovernmental Commission held in Arusha on 15–16 May 2026, which drew 120 Russian companies. The deals also cover Russian investment in mining, agriculture, and ICT, direct Air Tanzania (ATCL) flights to Russia, and a signed agreement to promote the Swahili language in Russia.
Tanzania Tiseza Gilead Teri China HWTZ David Zhou
Read More

Tanzania to Assemble First CNG Heavy-Duty Lorry at Bagamoyo SEZ With USD 3B Chinese Investment

Tanzania is set to produce its first CNG-powered heavy-duty lorry by the end of 2026 at the Bagamoyo Eco-Maritime City Special Economic Zone, following a USD 3 billion investment commitment by HWTZ SEZ Limited, a subsidiary of China's Hongwang Holding Group. The 500-hectare facility will host over 150 industries—including motorcycle production, boat manufacturing, and spare parts—and is projected to create more than 5,000 direct jobs for Tanzanians.