Quality, sustainability earn Alliance One top award
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi presents an award to Alliance One Tanzania spokesperson Advocate John Magoti (right) after the company emerged as first runner-up in this yearís Presidentís Manufacturer of the Year Awards. Minister for Industry and Trade Advocate Judith Kapinga looks on. PHOTO | COURTESY
Dar es Salaam. Alliance One Tanzania has been named Tanzania’s Best Tobacco Processor, emerging as the first runner-up overall at the 19th President’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards held in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, September 2026.
The tobacco processing company was recognised among manufacturers for its performance in the category, with its achievement attributed to the efforts of its employees, tobacco farmers and other stakeholders.
Receiving the award on behalf of Alliance One Tanzania, company spokesperson Advocate John Magoti said the recognition reflected the contribution of more than 350 permanent employees, 4,600 seasonal workers and more than 100,000 tobacco-growing households supplying the company.
“We are honoured by this recognition. It reflects the collective efforts of our employees, farmers and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to ensure quality and sustainability,” Mr Magoti said.
He said the company had invested in solar energy for daytime operations and adopted natural gas for vehicles and some factory equipment as part of efforts to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Alliance One also allocates more than Sh500 million annually to community projects covering education, water supply and environmental conservation, he said.
Sili Africa emerged as the overall winner of the awards, organised by the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), while cigarette manufacturer TCC took third place overall.
The awards came as the government urged manufacturers to improve efficiency and strengthen links with suppliers to reduce production costs and make locally produced goods more affordable.
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, representing President Hassan at the event, said manufacturers should focus on improving competitiveness and expanding into regional and international markets.
He cited the cement industry, saying stronger collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers of raw materials such as clinker could help reduce production costs and lower prices for consumers.
“In all economies, industrialisation has been the engine of rapid transformation. Industries create jobs, add value to local resources, generate foreign exchange and increase government revenues,” he said.
Mr Ndejembi said the industrial sector accounted for 5.9 percent of Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product in 2025, while industrial products contributed between 12 and 22 percent of total exports.
CTI Chairman Sufian Ally called for stronger measures against counterfeit products, which he said undermine local manufacturers.
He also urged the government to address electricity costs, speed up cargo clearance at ports and increase opportunities for Tanzanian companies in public procurement.
Mr Ndejembi assured manufacturers that the government would continue working to address the concerns and create a more competitive business environment.
