The government of Tanzania has set aside 294 000 ha to encourage potential investors to develop sugarcane plantations in the face of a rising demand for sugar.

According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Tanzania produces 300 000 tons of sugar a year, which is about 135 000 to 220 000 tons short of demand

The East African reports that Kilombero Sugar Company, majority-owned by South Africa’s Illovo, and one of Tanzania’s biggest sugar producers, is looking to almost double production from 126 000 tons to 250 000 tons a year.

‘We are looking to support government’s industrialisation drive that will ensure Tanzania produces enough sugar to meet domestic demand,’ says executive director Guy Williams

The Sultanate of Oman has also agreed to invest in production at the Kagera sugar factory in western Tanzania, to increase production from 60 tons to 300 000 tons a year.

8 May 2018
Image: Gallo/Getty Images