PANGANI (Tanga, Tanzania), Feb 27 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has unveiled plans to establish an industrial sugar factory in Tanga Region, aiming to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports.
Speaking during a public rally at Kumba grounds in Pangani District on fourth day of her working tour of the Tanga region, she said the factory will be built near Tanga Port, while a large sugarcane plantation will be established in Pangani.
Dr Samia said most sugar factories in the country produce sweetener for domestic consumption, but industrial sugar is still imported in large quantities, the new factory aims to cut down on foreign exchange spending by producing industrial sugar locally.
“We are introducing large-scale sugarcane farming in the Pangani valley. Alongside this, we are constructing a sugar factory to meet the country’s sugar demands. This will open up more opportunities and create jobs,” she said.
Samia made the remarks after laying the foundation stone for the construction of the Bagamoyo (Makurunge) – Pangani – Tanga (256 kilometres) Road, particularly the Mkange – Pangani – Tanga section (170.8 kilometres) and the Pangani Bridge (525 metres).
The road is part of the EAC Road infrastructure project starting from Malindi – Mombasa – Horohoro to Tanga – Pangani – Saadani – Bagamoyo. She said the road will strengthen trade and social connections between Tanzania and Kenya, as it runs along the Indian Ocean coastline through the Coast and Tanga regions, which are key tourism hubs.
“The construction of the Pangani Bridge and this road will drive economic transformation in Tanga. We are doing this work to boost Pangani’s economy while also integrating Tanga with several regions and economic corridors,” she said.
The bridge will connect Bagamoyo to Tanzania’s border with Kenya, where ongoing infrastructure development in Mombasa will further link the two countries.
The Head of State further said Bagamoyo is set to host Tanzania’s largestever Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and a new port, making the road crucial for economic connectivity.
“This corridor will strengthen trade with Mombasa and beyond. The road will also improve access to tourism sites in Tanga that were previously difficult to reach. Additionally, it connects different economic zones across Tanzania, linking the East African coast from Horohoro through Tanga to Dar es Salaam, and further to Lindi and Mtwara. It will enhance connectivity between eastern, central, southern and western Tanzania,” President Samia said.
She also spoke about efforts to support the blue economy, after distributing 35 modern fishing boats.
Each boat can carry between three to five tonnes of fish and operate closer to deep-sea fishing zones, which was not possible with traditional boats.
She urged beneficiaries to take care of the boats and repay their loans to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
A new international fish market will also be established in Kipumbwi area in the district, creating employment and stimulating the local economy.
Responding to concerns raised by a Pangani Member of Parliament, Jumaa Aweso regarding transport links between Tanga, Unguja and Pemba, she said private operators have already started routes, but directed the Minister for Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa to assess the possibility of increasing the number of boats and routes to enhance movement of people and goods.
Water Minister and Pangani MP, Aweso thanked the President, comparing her leadership to that of a doctor diagnosing and treating patients.
He said Pangani residents have long struggled with poor road access, but the new road will open up the district.
“Pangani used to feel like an isolated island. In the past, people would only come here for essential matters like burials or medical treatment. Now, with this new road, more people will be able to visit and invest,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Dr Ashatu Kijaji announced that the government will sign a contract for the construction of Kipumbwi Port to support fishermen.
She also expressed interest in establishing a livestock port and requested the President’s approval for its construction in Pangani in the 2025/26 fiscal year.
Dr Kijaji revealed that 113 youths from Tanga, who previously engaged in illegal fishing, have transitioned to legal fishing groups.
These groups have sought government support for acquiring modern boats on affordable loans. Speaking on behalf of the youth, Dr Kijaji said they have pledged to protect marine resources.
During her visit to Pangani, President Samia launched 29 fishing boats and 50 others for seaweed farming.
Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega assured that funds have been fully disbursed to the contractor building the Pangani Bridge.
The government expects timely completion of the project.
Providing an update, he said the bridge and connecting roads will be equipped with over 400 streetlights to facilitate smooth transport and economic activities. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
