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Tanzania’s sugar factories have resumed production, raising hopes of improved supplies and lower prices after months of shortages caused by delayed harvesting and milling.
Local sugar producers in Tanzania have resumed operations after months of production disruptions that contributed to nationwide shortages and increased reliance on imports, signalling a gradual recovery in domestic sugar supply.
The resumption follows delays to the start of the 2026 production season, caused by prolonged rainfall, annual maintenance, technical challenges and the transition between production cycles.
According to the Tanzania Sugar Producers Association (TSPA), the country’s sugar production season normally runs from May to April of the following year. However, heavy rains delayed harvesting and milling in key sugar-growing regions, postponing the start of this year’s campaign.
The delayed restart coincided with declining sugar stocks from the previous production cycle, placing pressure on the domestic market and prompting the government to approve imports to bridge the supply gap.
According to the Sugar Board of Tanzania (SBT), about 110,000 tonnes of sugar were approved for importation, with companies including Mohammed Enterprises Limited (MeTL), Kagera Sugar and Zenji Enterprises receiving import permits. The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) also participated in efforts to stabilise supply.
The shortages pushed retail prices higher across several parts of the country. A survey by Mwananchi in late June found sugar prices had risen from about Sh2,800-Sh3,000 per kilogramme to as high as Sh5,000 in some areas.
Industry players now expect market conditions to improve as factories rebuild production and replenish inventories.
More details: https://www.foodbusinessmea.com/tanzania-sugar-producers-resume-operations-as-factories-reopen/