By our correspondence, Tanga
Tanzania has begun implementing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to revive the northern region of Tanga as an industrial hub, with several dormant factories resuming operations and creating new jobs.
Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga said efforts to rehabilitate idle factories in the region were starting to yield results, citing the reopening of African Hamon factory, which had previously been non-operational and has now created more than 200 permanent jobs, largely for young people.
Kapinga made the remarks during an inspection tour to assess progress in implementing the president’s orders aimed at restoring Tanga’s historical status as a manufacturing centre.
“The ministry’s objective is to ensure that all targeted factories resume full operations to strengthen both domestic and export markets through locally manufactured products,” Kapinga said.
She said a steel rolling mill in the region has begun trial operations, while a plywood and panel manufacturing plant is undergoing rehabilitation.
Kapinga added that the government plans to station representatives at each factory to help resolve investor challenges and fast-track administrative processes.
The industrial revival programme aligns with President Samia’s vision to expand Tanzania’s manufacturing sector.
It is anchored in the ruling party’s 2025–2030 election manifesto and the National Development Vision 2050, which prioritise industrial growth and sustainable development.
Tanga Regional Commissioner Batilda Burian said the region had long suffered from factory closures, leaving many industrial sites abandoned, but welcomed the ongoing revival efforts.
She said authorities would continue monitoring progress to reopen factories in every district.
Burian also called for the construction of a second berth at the Port of Tanga to support increased industrial activity and said the region plans to host a major investment promotion forum.
Meanwhile, Tanga Urban MP Kassim Makuberi urged residents to take advantage of emerging job and business opportunities and called on owners of idle factories to work with authorities to restore operations.