The Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) Chairman Paul Makanza has expressed appreciation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government in addressing the challenges raised by industrialists.

reSpeaking during the President's Awards for Best Producers (PMAYA), organized annually by the CTI, Makanza specifically pointed out that issues such as the electricity problem and foreign currency shortages, which were major concerns last year, have been resolved. 

He also noted that tax-related problems had been addressed, with the government setting up a special office to handle national tax grievances. Makanza urged the government to continue addressing emerging issues, such as the shortage of Tanzanian shillings and delays in contractor payments.

, representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, presented awards for the best industrial manufacturers at the President's Awards for Best Producers (PMAYA), organized annually by the Confederation of Tanzanian Industries (CTI). 

The tobacco company Alliance One emerged as the top winner in the large tobacco processing category, where more than 100 companies competed in this year’s 42 awards, held on Friday, November 8th.

In his event’s inaugural speech, the Vice President Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango congratulated the CTI and emphasized that the industrial sector is a critical pillar of the national economy. 

He challenged producers with five key points, stressing the importance of nurturing and growing emerging industries to enable them to thrive and withstand global economic shocks. 

Dr. Mpango also called on factory owners to enhance environmental conservation efforts, particularly by improving recycling processes, and urged industrialists to create strategies that would generate more job opportunities for unemployed youth in urban areas. He further noted that the government is already working to align the country’s education system with available job opportunities.

The Vice President also encouraged CTI to develop a youth-centered strategy and warned stakeholders to prepare for the battle against counterfeit products that are damaging the local market.

Speaking on behalf of Alliance One Tobacco Tanzania Limited, company spokesperson Advocate John Magoti expressed gratitude to the CTI for recognizing the company’s contribution to the industrial sector, particularly in agri-processing. 

He highlighted that the award, received for three consecutive years, reflects the strong collaboration between the company, its employees, and other stakeholders in the tobacco sector, including the farmers they work with. 

Magoti assured that Alliance One is committed to processing tobacco locally and aims to further develop this small sector to increase foreign exchange earnings for the country.

“We are committed to improving environmental conservation in our factories, and we are focusing more on utilizing renewable energy such as solar energy. This is part of the company’s broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies to mitigate environmental impact throughout its value chain,” Magoti said.

He also emphasized that the company’s victory at the awards was made possible by its corporate social responsibility programs, including those in water, the environment, and education. “Alliance One is a resident of Kingolwira suburb in Morogoro, so we actively participate in various community donations, including extending donations to the local health center,” he said. Magoti further explained the company’s significant contributions to transforming Kingolwira Primary School, such as building new classrooms, renovating old ones, providing a borehole, water pumps, filters, and constructing new sports facilities, including football, netball, and basketball pitches.

Magoti also highlighted that the company, which opened its processing plant in 1998 with a capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes, has been operational continuously. It currently employs 350 permanent, pensionable staff and more than 3,000 seasonal workers, with these workers supporting their families year after year. Additionally, Alliance One works with over 13,000 farmers in tobacco-growing zones under special farming contracts.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Exaud Kigahe congratulated CTI for continuing the awards, which have contributed significantly to the success and prosperity of the national economy. He reassured attendees that the government will continue to implement policies that support the development of industries and is currently reviewing policies for both large and small industries to ensure greater effectiveness. 

Kigahe also noted that the government is designating areas for industrial development across the country, with all districts and regions instructed to focus on industrialization. He added that the government will collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure that the country benefits from the upcoming African Free Trade Area, which is set to officially begin in 2025.

The overall winners of the awards were the Tanzania Cigarette Company (TCC) in first place, followed by Plascon and ALAF

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