The Tanzanian government has committed more than 6 billion Tanzanian shillings to upgrade and modernize the National Sugar Institute (NSI) in Kilosa District, with the aim of transforming it into a regional center of excellence for the sugar industry.
This major investment marks a new chapter for the institute, which had suffered from years of neglect despite being the only specialized sugar training facility in East and Central Africa.
Director of the NSI, Casmir Casmir, said the upgrades are already underway, with improved classrooms, offices, and the installation of new furniture designed to meet global training standards. “So far, over 3.3 billion shillings have been utilized, and an additional 3 billion is set aside for the upcoming fiscal year,” he stated.
Plans are also in motion to construct a modern hostel capable of housing students from across the region. The move is expected to increase the institute’s appeal to aspiring professionals from neighboring countries looking for quality training in sugar production and processing.
Originally founded under the leadership of Tanzania’s founding President Julius Nyerere, the institute is being revitalized to meet modern demands. “We want to raise a generation of experts who will uplift the sugar sector in Tanzania and beyond,” said Casmir.
To further strengthen training quality, the government will sponsor tutors and specialists to attend advanced courses in top sugar-producing countries such as Brazil, India, and South Africa. “This will help our team learn the latest technologies and bring that knowledge back home,” he added.
Staffing has also seen a dramatic improvement. Casmir revealed that in 2020, the institute had only 11 employees, six of whom were already retired. Today, the staff count has risen to 49, with 18 more positions yet to be filled.
Dormitories have already been renovated, nine classrooms fitted with fixed seating, and new teaching equipment has been installed. These efforts are part of a broader modernization push aimed at creating a vibrant learning environment.
Mwanaidi Jaffery, a trainer at the NSI and Secretary of the Tanzania Sugar and Cane Sector Professionals Association (TSSCT), welcomed the reforms. “This transformation will not only address the shortage of skilled workers in the sugar sector but also ensure farmers and industry players receive the practical training they need,” she said.
With the sugar industry playing a crucial role in Tanzania’s economy, the government hopes this investment will lead to greater self-reliance and reduced dependency on sugar imports.