The Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda, has reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to supporting the growth of Tanzania’s sugar industry to ensure a stable market for sugarcane farmers.
Mr. Mwenda made the remarks today in Dar es Salaam during a meeting with the management of Kilombero Sugar Company Limited, located in Morogoro Region. He said the TRA recognizes the significant contribution of the sugar sector to national revenue and to the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
“Our farmers rely on these factories to buy their sugarcane, and we are ready to offer support wherever challenges arise so that production can increase,” Mr. Mwenda said. “TRA continues to play an enabling role for businesses through our Business Facilitation Desk, which helps address issues affecting taxpayers and promotes smooth operations.”
He emphasized that the sugar sector is cross-cutting, linking farmers, industries, and other value chain actors who together drive economic growth and job creation across the country.
On his part, Kilombero Sugar Company’s Director of Finance, Mr. Fakihi Fadhili, commended TRA for maintaining a cooperative relationship with taxpayers and for strengthening business facilitation through digital systems.
“The digital systems used by TRA allow us to pay taxes accurately and on time, which enables us to focus on our production activities,” said Mr. Fadhili. “This efficiency benefits sugarcane farmers who supply us with raw materials.”
Mr. Fadhili revealed that the Kilombero Sugar Factory, which is 25 percent owned by the government, will commission new machinery on October 24, 2025.
The upgraded plant will have the capacity to produce more than 200,000 tonnes of sugar annually, benefiting over 13,000 sugarcane farmers.
He added that, beyond farmers, the company also supports sugar distributors nationwide, who in turn employ thousands of Tanzanians.
He further noted that molasses produced at the factory is used to manufacture ethanol, which is sold to beverage industries, including breweries.
Mr. Mwenda reiterated TRA’s commitment to creating a friendly tax environment that supports industrial growth and enhances domestic revenue collection while ensuring fair competition in the market.