Tanzania targets sugar and edible oil output growth to cut imports

Tanzania has unveiled an ambitious agricultural strategy for the 2026/27 financial year aimed at reducing imports of sugar and edible oils while strengthening food security and boosting exports. The plan предусматриє significant investments in production and processing capacity.

Agriculture Minister Daniel Chongolo said sugarcane production is expected to increase from 4.35 million tonnes in 2025/26 to 5.5 million tonnes in 2026/27. As a result, sugar output is projected to rise from about 411,000 tonnes to 550,000 tonnes.

To support these targets, the government plans to build new sugar factories in the Coast and Kigoma regions, while additional investments are being arranged for three more plants in the Tanga region. These will include facilities for both industrial and table sugar production.

At the same time, efforts are underway to strengthen the raw material base and agricultural infrastructure. The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute is developing seed cane farms, while investment zones covering more than 146,000 hectares are being prepared in the Pangani Basin.

On edible oils, Tanzania faces a supply gap of over 426,000 tonnes against annual demand of around 732,000 tonnes. The government plans to increase oilseed production to 2.3 million tonnes, expand export markets, and invest in storage infrastructure to improve overall food security.

Tags: sugar, oilseeds, edible oils