New oil processing plant to empower Tanzanian farmers

Dar es Salaam. An avocado oil processing factory currently under construction in Njombe Region is poised to become a major player in the region's horticultural sector, offering the much-needed lifeline to farmers.

The factory is set to begin operations next month.  The project, backed by Avo Africa, will be located in Makambako Town, Njombe, and represents a significant investment in the region’s agro-processing industry.

At a total cost of Sh20 billion, the factory is designed to meet the growing demand for avocado oil both locally and internationally.

Avo Africa's managing director, Mr Najib Kamal, shared the details of the ambitious project during a briefing to Njombe Regional Commissioner, Mr Anthony Mtaka, who visited the construction site over the weekend.

The factory will initially feature two processing plants with the capacity to handle 600 tonnes of avocados daily.

However, the company's plans include expanding its operations by June, with the installation of two additional machines to double the facility’s processing capacity to 1,200 tonnes per day.

This expansion is expected to enhance the factory's production capacity and further contribute to the region's economic growth.

Mr Kamal noted that the factory will employ at least 400 workers, including skilled technicians and staff responsible for sourcing avocados directly from farms.

“This is our second major project after our avocado packing and export initiative. With this factory, we aim to become one of the largest producers of avocado oil in Tanzania,” he said, thanking the Tanzanian government for the support in facilitating the investment.

Mr Mtaka hailed the project as a game-changer for avocado farmers, who have long faced challenges in selling their produce.

“Previously, farmers were forced to sell at low prices due to fears of spoilage. Now, with the factory in place, they will have better control over pricing,” he said.

Mr Mtaka criticised exploitative buyers who undervalue avocados, labelling them as “rejects” only to purchase them later at significantly reduced rates.

“This factory will give farmers a fair platform to sell their produce without fear of exploitation,” he added.

New chapter

Njombe’s agricultural officer, Mr Wilson Joel, said the factory will process over 10,000 tonnes of avocados deemed substandard in the past, representing 70 percent of previously rejected produce.

“This will significantly contribute to the agricultural sector, and we’ll continue working closely with the factory to ensure farmers benefit fully,” Mr Joel said.

An engineer overseeing construction from Amenduni, an Italian company, Mr Victor Mutua, detailed the production process, explaining that avocados would undergo four stages, including crushing and heating, to extract the oil.

The factory’s machines are designed to process 600 tonnes of avocados in 12 hours, he said.

Farmers also expressed optimism about the project.

An avocado farmer, Mr Steven Mlimbila, called on the government to improve electricity infrastructure in farming areas to support irrigation.

“Relying on rain-fed farming is unsustainable for high production. Irrigation is the only way to increase yields,” he said.

The factory is part of the government’s broader initiative to encourage investment and support agricultural development.

Mr Kamal praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment, calling it instrumental in enabling the project’s success.