MPs hail Kilombero Sugar expansion as game-changer for industry

Morogoro. Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture, and Livestock have visited Kilombero Sugar Company in Morogoro to assess the progress of the K4 factory expansion project. The investment aims to support Tanzania’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production while increasing market opportunities for cane growers in the Kilombero Valley.

The K4 factory expansion, valued at Sh732 billion, is set to boost sugar production from 127,000 tonnes to 271,000 tonnes, significantly reducing the national sugar deficit. Additionally, cane supply from outgrowers is projected to rise from 600,000 tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes. The project will also contribute 10MW of electricity to the national grid and optimize production by reducing the processing season from 42 to 32 weeks.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Deodatus Mwanyika (MP), Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee, commended Kilombero Sugar for its role in strengthening Tanzania’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

"This is a major investment that will drive economic growth, improve farmers' livelihoods, and help address the sugar deficit. We congratulate the investors and Kilombero Sugar management for this milestone," he said.

Kilombero Sugar Company’s Board Chairman, Amb. Ami Mpungwe, expressed gratitude for the visit, emphasizing the significance of the project.

"This is a historic investment in the sugar sector, the largest of its kind in Eastern and Central Africa, with over $306 million invested in a single project. It reaffirms our commitment to supporting Tanzania’s vision of sugar self-sufficiency by 2025," he said.

Kilombero Sugar Managing Director, Guy Williams noted that the project is 95% complete and is expected to commence operations in mid-2025. He added that 60% of the sugarcane processed at the expanded facility will come from independent growers, with the remainder sourced from the company’s estate farms.

Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima praised the investment, highlighting Morogoro’s vital role in national sugar production.

"The government remains committed to creating a conducive investment environment to ensure sustainable economic development," he said.

Kilombero Sugar Company reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to ensure the project's timely completion and long-term benefits to the economy.