Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government has secured a major agricultural investment worth 640 million US dollars (about 1.6tri/-) for large-scale cassava production, a project expected to create more than 100,000 jobs over the next ten years.
The investor, Pan-Tanzania Agriculture Developments Limited, has been allocated 62,000 acres in Kilwa District, Lindi Region, where it will grow cassava and establish a new industrial park dedicated to value addition for export markets.
Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Professor Kitila Mkumbo, unveiled the project over the weekend during the handover of the derivative right for the 62,000-acre land parcel.
He said the flagship project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to fast-track industrialisation under the new National Development Vision 2050, with the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) playing a central role in driving manufacturing and job creation.
“We really want actions that happen on the ground. Citizens must see the impact and reap the benefits of investment,” Prof Mkumbo stressed.
He explained that PanTanzania Agriculture Developments Limited will cultivate cassava and process it locally for export to China, which has a rapidly growing demand for cassava flour.
The company will also cultivate and process soybeans and cashew nuts for export to the Asian market, in addition to setting up meat-processing operations.
Prof Mkumbo noted that the investment aligns with government priorities to attract projects that strengthen sectoral linkages, create significant employment, boost exports and broaden the tax revenue base.
He added that the multibillion-shilling project is expected to substantially stimulate economic growth in Lindi Region, which currently contributes only 2 per cent to the national GDP.
“To Kilwa residents, this project brings massive benefits for both the present and future generations,” he said.
The project covers four villages in Kilwa District: Mavuji, Migeregere, Nainokwe and Liwiti.
According to Prof Mkumbo, these areas will see the installation of modern infrastructure, improved mobile communication, irrigation systems and advanced processing facilities.
He said that the initiative will strengthen Tanzania’s role in East Africa as a leader in agricultural technology and value addition.
Founder and Director of Pan-Tanzania Agriculture Developments Limited, Ms Dior Feng commended the government for its unwavering support in making the project possible.
She said the industrial park will occupy 2,000 acres, while the remaining 60,000 acres will be dedicated to strategic crops processed within the Agricultural Special Economic Zone (AgriEPZ).
She assured the government of effective and timely implementation of all project components.
TISEZA Director General Mr Gilead Teri clarified that the 62,000-acre allocation is not free land but has been issued under a derivative right to facilitate investment.
He urged the investor to ensure full and timely development of the land, adding that TISEZA will monitor the project’s progress closely.
Earlier, Kilwa District Commissioner Mohamed Nyundo assured investors that Kilwa remains peaceful and secure for investment.
He noted that the district enjoys reliable electricity supply from both hydropower and natural gas sources, namely the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) and the Songosongo gas fields.
He further highlighted Kilwa’s strategic advantages, including the Kilwa Port, road networks and other key socio-economic infrastructure that support Lindi’s investment climate.
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