
(3 Minutes Read)
Tanzania’s cassava market is set to experience significant growth following the expansion of Goodwill Tanzania Company into the paper manufacturing industry. This strategic move is projected to have a transformative effect on the local economy, creating new job opportunities and generating substantial demand for cassava, which will be used as a major raw material.
Known primarily for its successful tile production operations, Goodwill Tanzania is now investing USD 110 million into establishing a paper manufacturing plant in Mkiu Village, Mkuranga District, located in the Coast Region. This development marks a notable shift in the company’s business model and brings its total investment in Tanzania to USD 190 million since it began operations in 2015 with an initial capital of USD 50 million.
The new factory will manufacture various types of paper products, including high-quality porcelain paper, tissue paper, and environmentally friendly “green” paper. Construction of the plant is currently underway, and production is expected to begin between April and May of next year, according to Sharifa Chen, the company’s Public Relations Manager. Further expansions are already planned for the second year, which will significantly increase the demand for cassava.
The paper plant is expected to create more than 1,000 direct jobs, with a strong emphasis on employing individuals from the surrounding communities. These opportunities will largely benefit local youth and recent graduates, many of whom have already been involved in the company’s workforce. Currently, 1,298 jobs have been generated, filled predominantly by local graduates from universities and secondary schools.
Chen noted that new employees are being trained by Chinese experts in areas such as laboratory processes, machinery operation, and electrical maintenance, ensuring skill transfer and capacity building for Tanzanian workers.
One of the most promising aspects of the new venture is its potential to revitalise Tanzania’s cassava industry. The plant will initially require approximately 50,000 tonnes of cassava annually, with expectations to scale up to 300,000 tonnes depending on farmer engagement and market demand.
According to Aduli Mohammed, the founder of Kusini Gateway Industrial Park and a partner in the project, cassava will be sourced from farmers within a 10 to 25-kilometre radius of the factory. This localized sourcing strategy aims to create a readily accessible market for smallholder farmers, boosting their incomes and encouraging more widespread cassava cultivation. This initiative will impact every citizen who is ready to grow cassava.
To ensure quality cassava supply and maximum participation, Mohammed mentioned that a network of stakeholders, including financial institutions, technology providers, and training organisations, will assist farmers with the necessary support systems. These efforts aim to build a robust supply chain and empower local producers with the tools needed for success.
The expansion is also expected to benefit the surrounding community significantly. Mkiu Village Chairperson, Idd Cheti, encouraged the village’s approximately 7,000 residents, especially the youth, to take full advantage of the job opportunities and farming prospects. Meanwhile, Village Executive Officer Hulda Peter highlighted the broader economic benefits, noting that the expansion would contribute to government revenue and further employment opportunities.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/africa-produces-most-of-worlds-cassava/
This move into paper manufacturing marks a significant step in Tanzania’s industrial development, with cassava playing a central role. As the country seeks to unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector, Goodwill’s investment presents a model for how agro-industry partnerships can drive inclusive economic growth.