A major aluminium processing project at the Ruvuma Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is expected to create about 5,000 jobs and strengthen industrial production in the region once it reaches full capacity.
The project, being implemented by HWTZ in Songea District, is among strategic investments being facilitated by the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) in collaboration with the Ruvuma Regional Government.
HWTZ has been allocated 1,056 acres within the 5,000-acre Ruvuma SEZ for the development of an industrial complex that will produce aluminium ingots, aluminium alloys and aluminium plates for the domestic and export markets.
Construction of the project began in February 2026, with work currently focused on internal road infrastructure and the development of a coal-based power generation facility.
Workers’ accommodation has also been completed, marking another step towards the commencement of industrial operations.
The project is expected to use coal sourced from Ruvuma as its main energy source, with consumption projected to reach up to 20,000 tonnes a day when production reaches full capacity.
The projected demand is expected to generate additional business opportunities beyond the factory itself, particularly in coal mining, transportation, logistics and other services supporting the industrial value chain.
TISEZA and the regional authorities view the investment as part of broader efforts to leverage Ruvuma’s natural resources to promote value addition, employment and industrial development.
Beyond employment, the project is also expected to contribute to technology and skills transfer.
As part of the preparations for operations, 40 Tanzanians have been sent to China for specialised training in the operation of industrial machinery.
The training is intended to equip local workers with technical skills and knowledge needed to operate and maintain the plant, while reducing reliance on foreign expertise over time.
The development of the HWTZ project comes as Ruvuma seeks to strengthen its position as an emerging industrial centre by linking locally available resources with manufacturing, value addition and regional and international markets.
Once operational at full capacity, the project is expected to create direct employment while also supporting indirect jobs and business opportunities across its supply and service chains.
The investment therefore presents an opportunity for the region to move beyond the extraction of natural resources towards processing and manufacturing, increasing the economic value derived from resources available locally.
For Ruvuma, the expansion of industrial activity through the SEZ could also stimulate demand for transport, accommodation, trade, technical services and other businesses, creating wider economic benefits for communities in and around Songea.