CONSTRUCTION of new high quality avocado oil processing plant in Makambako Town Council, Njombe Region, is in its final stages and is set to begin operations next month.

The facility is set to revolutionise the local avocado industry and create significant economic opportunities for the region.

Najib Kamal, Director of Avo Africa, made the announcement over the weekend during a site visit with Njombe Regional Commissioner Anthony Mtaka.

Kamal revealed that the plant, with an estimated cost of 20bn/-, will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and essential equipment for oil extraction.

Initially, the plant will operate with two machines capable of processing up to 600 tonnes of avocados daily. By June, the facility will expand to four machines, doubling its production capacity to 1,200 tonnes per day.

“This is our second project. The first focuses on packing avocados for export, while this new plant is dedicated to producing avocado oil. Our aim is to become one of the leading oil producers in the country,” Kamal stated.

The project is expected to create over 400 jobs, including roles for specialists and field workers who will source avocados directly from local farmers.

RC Mtaka praised the initiative, describing it as a game-changer for local avocado farmers.

He noted that farmers had previously been forced to sell their produce at low prices due to fears of spoilage, but the new plant would offer better pricing and greater stability.

“During the avocado season, farmers have been exploited by buyers who label produce as rejects, forcing them to sell at low prices—often between 150/- and 180/- per kilo. Farmers accept these prices to avoid complete losses. This plant will transform that situation,” Mtaka said.

He also commended Kamal for supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call to attract more investors to Tanzania and assured him of the government’s full support.

Njombe Regional Agricultural Officer, Wilson Joel, reported that approximately 20,000 tonnes of avocados had been rejected annually for failing to meet quality standards.

He stated that with the plant’s capacity to process over 10,000 tonnes of avocados annually, more than 70 per cent of previously rejected produce could now be utilised.

“This will significantly boost the sector. We will continue to work closely with you to ensure farmers can supply their produce to the plant,” Joel added.

Victor Mutua, the construction supervisor from Amenduni, an Italian company overseeing the plant’s construction, confirmed that the facility’s machinery would process 600 tonnes of avocados in a 12-hour shift.

He expressed confidence that the venture would strengthen the local economy and improve the livelihoods of avocado farmers in the Njombe region.