Government lauds Kilombero Sugar for massive investment in sugar industry

The Minister of Industry and Trade Dr. Ashatu Kijaji has lauded Kilombero Sugar Company Limited (KSCL) which produces 26 percent of the sugar consumed in the country, and urged them to create a conducive environment for farmers to increase production.

Minister Kijaji made the revelation yesterday during her familiarization tour at the company’s estate accompanied by the Regional Commissioner for Morogoro Adam Malima, and the Leadership of Kilombero District.

This tour marks Minister Kijaji’s first visit to the factory, where she had the opportunity to witness production of sugar and Ethanol at the existing mills as well as see the progress of the expansion project, which is currently at 60% completion.

The Minister stated that the country has over five large sugar-producers but Kilombero Sugar Company accounts for 26 percent of the total sugar production in the country. Hon. Kijaji applauded the company for their work and investment into expansion which will further position the company as the largest sugar producer in the country and in the East African region.

“I congratulate the Kilombero Sugar management and investors for the outstanding work being done. The country presently produces 26 percent of all the sugar used in the country,” said Minister Kijaji.

Furthermore, the Minister commended the significant progress in the construction of the new factory, which will further enhance sugar production at the company from the current 126,000 tons to 271,000 tons per year.

The construction of this factory that will cost around 566bn/- will provide a stable market for sugarcane farmers in the area.

Currently, the company processes 600,000 tons of sugarcane sourced from Kilombero growers, and an additional 900,000 tons will be required to feed the mills after the completion of the new factory.

The Regional Commissioner for Morogoro Adam Malima, praised the strategies implemented by the factory’s management, including providing education to farmers through extension officers to improve yields among Kilombero sugarcane growers.

The Managing Director of Kilombero Sugar Company, Guy Williams expressed gratitude to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the Ministry of Industry and Trade for creating an enabling environment for investment, which enabled the Company to invest in the expansion project.

The project expected to be completed by July 2024, aims to contribute to the government’s agenda of sugar self-sufficiency in the country by 2025.