Morogoro: The Tanzanian government has welcomed a 700bn/- investment by Kilombero Sugar Company, saying the project is helping reduce unemployment, especially in technical fields such as engineering, Daily News reported.
The remarks were made by Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, during a visit to Kilombero District in the Morogoro Region, where he toured the sugar factory.
He said the investment has created many direct and indirect jobs and strengthened the country’s industrial sector, which supports national economic growth. According to him, large investments like this not only increase the production of essential goods such as sugar but also help other related activities grow, including sugarcane farming, transport and distribution.
Prof. Mkumbo encouraged other investors to follow Kilombero’s example by giving priority to local workers. He said this would help lower unemployment, increase household incomes and improve living conditions in communities.
He also said Tanzania has made significant progress towards becoming self-sufficient in sugar production. Earlier, the factory produced between 130 and 260 tonnes, but improvements in infrastructure, technology and expansion have increased output to better meet local demand.
He added that higher domestic production benefits farmers and industries that rely on sugar, reduces the need for imports, strengthens food security, and contributes to overall economic growth.
The visit is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to monitor major projects, ensure investments benefit the country, and create a favourable environment to attract more investment in production and industry.
