The sugar sector in Tanzania is undergoing major transformation through the use of advanced digital systems aimed at improving transparency, reducing fraud, and increasing productivity across the entire value chain.
The Director General of the Sugar Board of Tanzania, Prof. Kenneth Bengesi, said the government has introduced secure digital platforms that are helping to eliminate irregularities in the industry, particularly in farmer credit systems and sugar import licensing.
He made the remarks in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region, during a technical conference that brought together sugarcane and sugar experts from factories, universities, regulatory bodies, and industry organisations.
Prof. Bengesi said the new systems now allow banks and financial institutions to verify genuine farmers using official registration numbers linked directly to their farms. This has closed loopholes that were previously used to access loans fraudulently.
He explained that in the past, some individuals took advantage of system gaps to obtain credit they were not entitled to.
However, the digital verification system now enables instant confirmation of a farmer’s identity and farm details, ensuring that only legitimate farmers benefit from agricultural financing.
He further noted that the digital platforms have improved the management of sugar import permits. All licences can now be verified quickly and accurately, reducing chances of forgery and illegal imports.
According to him, the reforms have strengthened efficiency across the sugar value chain, from production to distribution and regulation.
They have also improved monitoring systems that help prevent the entry of counterfeit sugar into the market, protecting consumers and promoting fair trade.
Prof. Bengesi added that Tanzania’s sugar industry has strong growth potential due to its strategic location, expanding regional markets, and ongoing investment in modern agricultural technologies.
He encouraged continued investment in research and improved farming methods to increase productivity.
He said challenges in the sector are also creating opportunities for innovation and improved solutions that support long-term growth.
The President of the Tanzania Sugar Chemists Technical Society, Fihiri Achi, said the organisation plays an important role in strengthening technical expertise across the sugar value chain, from farming to industrial processing.
He said members are working together to address sector challenges through research, knowledge sharing, and improved production systems aimed at increasing efficiency and output.
He noted ongoing efforts to improve access to quality sugarcane planting materials through certified seed nurseries, which are expected to boost crop quality and increase yields for farmers.
He also said the sector is increasingly adopting modern technologies such as mechanised harvesting equipment, drones, and digital monitoring systems, while stressing the need to ensure smallholder farmers are not left behind.
A sugarcane farmer and agricultural expert, Dr. George Mlingwa, said the industry has made significant progress due to strong cooperation between the government, farmers, and research institutions.
He said farmers are now receiving better training that has improved their farming practices, resulting in higher productivity and better crop management.
He added that improved sugarcane varieties developed through research have increased yields in several areas, with production rising from about 20 tonnes per acre to more than 50 tonnes in some regions.
The Irrigation Manager at Bagamoyo Sugar Factory, Alison Zahoro, said the factory is using modern irrigation systems that deliver water directly to plant roots, improving efficiency and boosting sugarcane production.
He said the factory also contributes to surrounding communities through employment opportunities, healthcare support, water projects, and education initiatives in nearby villages.
The Secretary of the Tanzania Sugar Chemists Technical Society, Mwanaidi Jaffery, said continuous training and capacity building remain key priorities to improve performance and innovation in the sector.
She noted that youth participation in the sugar industry is increasing through training programmes, conferences, and collaboration with farmers, helping to build a stronger future workforce.
Overall, stakeholders say digital transformation, improved research, and stronger cooperation among actors are making Tanzania’s sugar industry more efficient, transparent, and competitive, with strong potential for continued growth.
