By John Walter – Babati
In the global drive to reduce the impacts of climate change, Tanzania’s private sector is proving to be a vital engine of positive transformation.
A shining example is Manyara Sugar Limited, located in Babati District, Manyara Region, which has pioneered and implemented modern technology to produce environmentally friendly charcoal from sugarcane husks.
Turning Waste Into Value
This project was launched in 2015 after the factory faced the challenge of accumulating large quantities of sugarcane husks without proper disposal methods.
Instead of being a burden, the management saw an opportunity and invested more than TZS 300 million in machinery to process the waste.
Today, this technology generates alternative energy that the factory uses to cut production costs, while also earning an average of TZS 530 million annually from sales to both public and private institutions, including schools, prisons, and some industries.
Through this initiative, Manyara Sugar has successfully embraced the circular economy concept—producing, consuming, recycling, and reusing without harming the environment.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The adoption of this clean energy has reduced dependence on firewood and traditional charcoal, contributing to:
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Decreasing deforestation and protecting biodiversity.
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Reducing greenhouse gas emissions that accelerate global warming.
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Improving community health, especially for women and children exposed to harmful smoke from unsafe energy sources.
This marks a crucial step in supporting the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2025–2035) as well as the global Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Access to Affordable, Reliable, Sustainable, and Modern Energy for All).
Praise From Leaders
Former Minister for Investment, Industry, and Trade, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, praised the initiative, stressing that the technology practically demonstrates the government’s policy on environmentally friendly industries.
Similarly, Ismail Ali Ussi, National Torch Race leader for 2025, expressed satisfaction with the effort, describing it as a model for other factories to emulate.
On August 30, 2025, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa officially launched the clean cooking energy program in prisons, calling on the private sector to embrace innovation—something Manyara Sugar has already put into action.
“Our President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, is recognized across Africa and globally for championing clean energy use. With this step, you have practically shown your support,” Majaliwa said.
Uniting Stakeholders
The Manyara Sugar project highlights the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector, and communities. Through this innovation:
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The government gains partners in achieving national goals.
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Communities benefit from clean energy and job opportunities.
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The factory lowers costs and boosts revenue.
Conclusion
The innovation of Manyara Sugar is more than just an industrial success—it is a story of a green revolution.
It proves that waste can be wealth, and that industrial development does not have to conflict with environmental protection when backed by commitment and the right investment.
With this contribution, Manyara Sugar has demonstrated that Tanzania can build an industrial economy that respects both the environment and the health of its people.
Undoubtedly, this is a model worth emulating—a milestone deserving recognition for safeguarding our planet for both present and future generations.
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