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A groundbreaking avocado oil processing factory in Njombe Region is set to redefine the region’s horticulture industry, offering a vital economic lifeline to local farmers.
The facility, located in Makambako Town, is slated to begin operations next month, creating new opportunities for farmers to sell their produce and adding value to Tanzania’s agriculture sector.
The Sh20 billion project is a major investment in agro-processing and aims to address long-standing challenges faced by avocado farmers. Initially equipped with two processing plants, the factory will handle 600 tonnes of avocados daily. By June, additional machinery will be installed, doubling its capacity to 1,200 tonnes per day.
Speaking during a site visit over the weekend, Njombe Regional Commissioner Anthony Mtaka praised the factory as a significant milestone for the region’s economy. He noted that the project would help farmers secure better prices for their avocados, reducing dependence on exploitative buyers.
“Farmers have long been forced to sell their avocados at throwaway prices because they lacked proper storage or processing options. This factory changes that,” Mr. Mtaka said. “It empowers farmers and ensures they receive fair compensation for their hard work.”
Najib Kamal, the managing director of the company behind the project, shared his vision during the briefing. “This is our second major initiative after our avocado packing and export program. Our goal is to make this factory one of Tanzania’s largest producers of avocado oil,” he said.
The factory will employ at least 400 workers, including skilled technicians and field agents who will source avocados directly from farms. Mr. Kamal highlighted the facility’s potential to position Tanzania as a leading player in the global avocado oil market.
“We want to accelerate the development of Tanzania’s avocado industry and tap into the growing demand for avocado oil both locally and internationally. This project also supports the government’s broader efforts to encourage agro-industrial growth,” Mr. Kamal added.
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The factory’s establishment has already sparked optimism among farmers, many of whom previously faced significant losses due to spoilage or unfair trade practices. With a reliable buyer now in place, farmers in Njombe and beyond can focus on expanding their production and improving quality.
“This factory will create stability in the market. Farmers won’t have to worry about their produce going to waste or being undervalued by middlemen,” Mr. Mtaka said.
As the factory gears up to launch, it is expected to stimulate growth in related industries such as logistics and packaging, further boosting Njombe’s economy. More importantly, it marks a significant step towards building a sustainable and inclusive agro-industrial ecosystem in Tanzania.
The project has been welcomed as a beacon of hope for the country’s agricultural future, promising a brighter and more secure livelihood for farmers in the avocado-rich region.
