Tanzania has confirmed an agricultural investment valued at US$640 million for large-scale cassava production in Kilwa District, Lindi Region. The investor, Pan-Tanzania Agriculture Developments Limited, has been allocated 62,000 acres, which equals 25,090 hectares, for cassava cultivation and the development of an industrial park for processing aimed at export markets.
Minister of State in the President's Office (Planning and Investment), Professor Kitila Mkumbo, presented the project during the handover of the derivative right for the land. He stated that the initiative is part of broader industrialisation plans under the National Development Vision 2050, coordinated through the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA). "We really want actions that happen on the ground. Citizens must see the impact and reap the benefits of investment," he said.
Pan-Tanzania Agriculture Developments Limited will grow cassava for processing into flour for export to China, where demand for cassava-derived products continues to increase. The company will also cultivate and process soybeans and cashew nuts within the same zone. Fresh produce mentioned beyond these crops will not be included.
According to Prof Mkumbo, the government expects the project to expand employment opportunities and support export development. He noted that Lindi Region currently contributes 2 per cent to the national GDP and said, "To Kilwa residents, this project brings massive benefits for both the present and future generations."
The project area covers the villages of Mavuji, Migeregere, Nainokwe, and Liwiti. Planned developments include irrigation infrastructure, mobile network improvements, and processing facilities dedicated to crops grown within the Agricultural Special Economic Zone.
Founder and Director of Pan-Tanzania Agriculture Developments Limited, Ms Dior Feng, said the industrial park will take up 2,000 acres, which equals 809 hectares, while 60,000 acres, equal to 24,281 hectares, will be used for crop production. She assured the government of the timely delivery of the project's components.
TISEZA Director General Gilead Teri clarified that the land allocation is based on a derivative right and not free land. He added that TISEZA will monitor development progress.
Kilwa District Commissioner Mohamed Nyundo said the district remains stable for investment and noted that electricity supply is supported by hydropower and natural gas through the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project and the Songosongo gas fields. He also mentioned the presence of the Kilwa Port, local road connections, and supporting infrastructure used by producers and processors in the region.
Source: Daily News
