Livestock Minister says plans are on the cards to expand the Kongwa center into a major hub for goat fattening and production in Tanzania. Photo: Courtesy
By The Respondent reporter
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s diplomatic efforts have significantly boosted Tanzania’s meat export industry, with remarkable growth in sales to international markets. Export volumes increased from 10,415 tons in 2021-2022 to 12,243 tons in 2022-2023, and further to 14,701 tons by 2023-2024. This growth reflects advancements in modern livestock farming and meat production, enhancing incomes for farmers and creating jobs for Tanzanians.
The country now exports meat to 12 international markets, including Bahrain, Comoros, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Vietnam.
By April 2024, meat exports had generated approximately Sh100 billion, with goat meat contributing 70.1% of total sales due to high demand both locally and abroad.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa highlighted this progress at the launch and handover of the Kongwa Commercial Livestock Incubation Center for Youth in Dodoma.
The facility, built for Sh 1.6 billion, is designed for goat fattening and aims to equip young people with practical skills in livestock management, including housing, feeding, healthcare, and business training.
The center will serve as a hub for youth empowerment, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting the country’s broader economic goals. Prime Minister Majaliwa urged young people to capitalize on this opportunity for personal and national benefit.
Additionally, he called on meat processors and traders to collaborate with the center to address challenges in accessing quality livestock for meat production.
Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega, emphasized the importance of stakeholder involvement—including farmers, traders, consumers, and healthcare providers—to increase productivity and efficiency in the livestock sector. He announced plans to expand the Kongwa center into a major hub for goat fattening and production in Tanzania.
The center, initially managed by the NGO PASS, has been handed over to the government and will now operate under the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI).
