By Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania Fertilizer Company (TFC) has signed a TZS 16 billion deal with Dubai-based Sea Energy Group to supply 23,000 metric tonnes of Urea fertilizer, as part of efforts to ensure timely and affordable access to agricultural inputs across the country.
TFC Managing Director Samuel Mshote and Sea Energy Group CEO Dean Tavakoli inked the agreement today in Dar es Salaam, setting the stage for swift distribution of the fertilizer to all 26 mainland regions.
“TFC has already started distributing the Urea through 29 Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) and local government councils, using our regional warehouses,” said Mr. Mshote. “We want to make sure farmers get quality fertilizer when they need it most.”
TFC aims to deliver 100,000 tonnes of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) for the planting season. So far, it has distributed 31,500 tonnes. The company has also rolled out 35,000 tonnes of Urea for top dressing.
During the 2024/25 season, Tanzania’s fertilizer demand stood at 800,000 tonnes. This year, TFC projects the demand will nearly double to 1.5 million tonnes, reflecting the government’s push to raise agricultural productivity.
“Fertilizer use in Tanzania remains low, averaging only 22 kilograms per hectare,” Mr. Mshote noted. “That’s well below the Sub-Saharan average of 50 kilograms — and even further from the 146 kilograms per hectare used in developed countries.”
Through this partnership, TFC and Sea Energy Group plan to scale up deliveries to 200,000 tonnes of fertilizer in the near future.
TFC continues to sell fertilizer at subsidised prices to support smallholder farmers. Under the current scheme, farmers save TZS 7,000 on every 50-kilogramme bag. Instead of paying the market price of TZS 73,000, they pay just TZS 65,000.
“We are removing the financial barrier for farmers,” said Mr. Mshote. “This is how we boost yields and national food security.”
Sea Energy Group CEO Dean Tavakoli applauded the Tanzanian government and the Ministry of Agriculture for defining clear needs and facilitating the agreement.
“It’s an honour to partner with Tanzania through TFC,” he said. “We’re committed to supplying high-quality fertilizers at fair prices, and we look forward to growing this collaboration.”
This deal marks another milestone in Tanzania’s drive to modernize agriculture, reduce input costs, and help farmers increase productivity and incomes.