Joseph Isangura
Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries to significantly increase investment in local sugar production. Speaking at the SADC Sugar Investment Forum, held in Zanzibar yesterday, Dr. Mwinyi emphasized that bolstering regional sugar production is crucial for ensuring food security across Southern Africa.
The forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from the SADC region, focusing on the importance of local investment in the sugar sector. Dr. Mwinyi’s appeal comes as the Tanzanian government is in the process of amending the Sugar Industry Act. The amendments aim to give the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) the sole responsibility for importing, storing, and distributing ‘gap sugar’ to address domestic consumption needs.
The new policy is intended to mitigate the impact of sugar scarcity and related price hikes that burden consumers. Dr. Mwinyi highlighted that the sugar sector is a top priority within the broader agricultural strategy of Zanzibar and Tanzania. He pointed out that current market dynamics have led to exorbitant prices for sugar, a critical household staple, making it essential to stabilize the market through enhanced local production.
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During the forum, discussions centered on the need for cohesive regional strategies to boost sugar production. Participants underscored that coordinated efforts and shared investments could significantly reduce reliance on sugar imports, which often lead to price volatility. SADC’s current policies encourage member states to create favorable investment environments through incentives and supportive legislation.
The SADC region has historically faced challenges in attracting substantial investment due to political and security concerns. However, recent policy improvements and regional cooperation have started to alleviate these issues, leading to increased investment interest. For instance, tax incentives and investment-friendly regulations have been instrumental in drawing both domestic and foreign direct investment into the region’s agricultural sectors
Increasing local sugar production is not only about food security but also about economic empowerment. Enhanced sugar production could create numerous jobs, foster technological advancements in agriculture, and promote sustainable farming practices. Moreover, it aligns with SADC’s goals of regional integration and economic development, aiming to uplift the quality of life for all people in Southern Africa.
The Zanzibar president’s call to action is timely, given the ongoing global economic uncertainties that affect food supply chains. By prioritizing local production, SADC countries can build more resilient economies less susceptible to external shocks. Additionally, strengthening the sugar industry is part of a broader initiative to diversify agricultural production and reduce dependency on single crop economies
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