NYASA District in Ruvuma Region is set for a major economic boost as CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged the establishment of a modern fish drying plant and a coffee processing facility, aimed at adding value to local produce and opening up international markets.

Speaking at a campaign rally today here, Samia said the two plants will ensure that fishers and coffee farmers in the southern highlands earn higher incomes by moving away from raw product sales to value-added products.
“These facilities will transform Nyasa into a centre of agro-processing and trade. Fish will be dried and preserved to meet both local and export market standards, while coffee will be processed here before going to international buyers,” she said.
She added that an international market will also be established in the district to connect farmers and fishers directly with regional and global buyers.
Samia highlighted broader initiatives already underway in Nyasa, including the rise in coffee prices from 4,000/- to 12,000/- per kilogramme, irrigation schemes to support year-round farming, and expanded access to loans for small businesses — with district funds increased from 50m/- to 300m/-.
She also noted that infrastructure improvements such as roads, ports and power supply were strengthening Nyasa’s competitiveness, while fishing communities will benefit from more boats, fish caging programmes, and a rescue vessel on Lake Nyasa.
Local coffee farmer Robert Mikndo welcomed the pledge, saying: “A processing plant here means we can sell higher-quality coffee at better prices. This will change the lives of many farmers.”
Fisherwoman Hamida Mlemba added: “The fish drying plant will reduce losses and give us access to bigger markets. We will no longer depend only on small roadside sales.”
 Samia assured the crowd that her government’s vision is to empower farmers, fishers and youth, ensuring that southern Tanzania’s resources bring lasting prosperity to its people.