Recurrent sugar shortages and price surges, once a longstanding problem for Tanzanians, have ended as the country begins exporting sugar for the first time in its history, officials have announced. Aslo domestic sugar production in the country has now surpassed national consumption levels.
For decades, Tanzania’s sugar industry has faced recurring supply shortfalls, particularly between March and May, when factories pause operations for maintenance and sugarcane loses sucrose content due to rains. During these months, the country relied heavily on imports to meet domestic demand.
The crisis deepened in early 2024 when retail sugar prices spiked to between Sh6,000 and Sh10,000 per kilogramme, prompting government action. The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) was instructed to purchase and store sugar to stabilise supply.
However, new data from the Sugar Board of Tanzania (SBT) indicates a dramatic turnaround. For the first time, Tanzania has exported 85,000 tonnes of sugar, earning $72 million in revenue, reported The Citizen.
In addition, two local factories are set to begin producing industrial sugar, the refined type used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and beverages, with national demand estimated at around 300,000 tonnes annually.
SBT Director General Prof. Kenneth Bengesi told The Citizen that the country’s domestic production now exceeds its consumption levels.
“Tanzania’s annual sugar demand is approximately 550,000 tonnes, and this year’s output has already surpassed 600,000 tonnes,” he said. “As it stands, unless an emergency arises, we no longer need to import sugar. Our production is sufficient to meet national needs.”
Prof. Bengesi added that several factories are expanding to maintain the current momentum.
