By Faridat Salifu
In a move to transform its agricultural sector, Tanzania has inked a 30 million US dollar (approximately 81 billion Tanzanian shillings) deal with Corus International aimed at revolutionizing cocoa and coffee production.
The initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Dodoma over the weekend, is projected to significantly enhance the country’s global competitiveness in the two high-value crops.
The agreement brings together Corus International, the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB), and the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA), under the stewardship of the Ministry of Agriculture.
It outlines an ambitious roadmap to triple coffee production from 80,000 to 300,000 metric tonnes and increase cocoa output from 14,490 to 80,000 metric tonnes annually by 2030.
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Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr David Silinde, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership, emphasizing that it will open up financing avenues for farmers, boost employment — particularly for youth and women — and align Tanzanian produce with international quality standards.
“This agreement is not just about boosting volumes; it’s about building sustainable livelihoods and ensuring that Tanzanian farmers thrive in a competitive global marketplace,” Mr Silinde said.
Beyond production targets, the MoU places a strong emphasis on sustainability and climate resilience.
COPRA Director-General, Ms Irene Mlola, noted that integrating modern farming techniques will help farmers adapt to environmental challenges while expanding cocoa cultivation beyond its current base in Mbeya, Morogoro, and Tanga regions.
“Tanzania’s cocoa sector has already shown its promise, bringing in 89 million US dollars in export earnings last year alone. With this new investment, we can unlock even greater value and improve the lives of thousands of farmers,” Ms Mlola said.
Meanwhile, TCB Director General, Mr Primus Kimaryo, stressed that the initiative would not only lift coffee quality but also create a more enabling environment for business across the agricultural value chain.
