THE government has invested over 6bn/- to improve infrastructure and machineries at the National Sugar Institute in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region. The institute, a unique educational facility in East and Central Africa, had long been in poor condition but the funding is meant transform it into a modern center for sugar industry training.

Speaking at the institute, Casmir Casmir, Director of the National Sugar Institute, explained that the government’s goal is to elevate the institute to an international level, creating an environment that attracts students from both Tanzania and abroad.

“We have begun upgrading classrooms, offices and other learning facilities. This includes purchasing two vehicles and modern, durable classroom furniture. So far, over 3.3bn/- has been allocated for these improvements, with an additional 3bn/- set aside for the next financial year,” he said.

 He added that a new, modern hostel will be built to accommodate students, including those from neighbouring countries, enhancing the institution's ability to serve the regional demand for trained sugar industry professionals.

“The National Sugar Institute was established during the tenure of Tanzania's first President, Julius Nyerere, to train experts for sugar industry. It has a long history and now the government is keen to modernize it to ensure that it continues to serve the growing demands of the sugar subsector,” he said.

 Casmir further explained that the institute’s infrastructure improvements are part of the government’s broader plan to address challenges in the sugar industry, which have become more apparent in recent years. The government, alongside key stakeholders through the Sugar Industry Development Trust Fund (SIDTF), has invested in the institute’s modernization to foster growth in the subsector by producing a sufficient number of skilled professionals.

 He also revealed that the funds will be used to send tutors and experts to leading sugar-producing countries such as Brazil, India and South Africa for training. This initiative aims to expose Tanzanian professionals to cutting-edge sugar industry technologies and enhance the capabilities of graduates to meet industry demands.

 “In 2020, the institute had only 11 staff members, six of whom had retired. Without additional hires, we would have only five staff members remaining. Thanks to new recruitment, the staff number has now increased to 49, and we still have 18 more vacancies pending,” Casmir added.

 He expressed the government’s genuine commitment to making the National Sugar Institute a premier institution for sugar industry professionals in Tanzania as well as East Africa and Central Africa. He pointed out that the institute is the only one of its kind in the region, with neighbouring countries eager to send their professionals for training.

 “We have already completed the renovation of dormitories, purchased new furniture and introduced permanent fixed chairs in nine classrooms. Our goal is to create a fully modernized institution that attracts professionals from across the region,” he said.

 Mwanaidi Jaffery, a trainer at the institute and Secretary of the Tanzania Sugar and Cane Sector Professionals Association (TSSCT), expressed gratitude to the government for supporting the ongoing transformation of the institute into an international training center.

 Jaffery noted that the improvements at the institute, including curriculum upgrades and practical training for farmers and industry professionals, would help address the long-standing sugar shortages in the country and ensure a steady supply of skilled labour for the industry.