The government has invested over 6 billion Tanzanian shillings to upgrade infrastructure and machinery at the National Sugar Institute (NSI) in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, aiming to transform it into a modern training center for the sugar industry, reports The Guardian.
The institute, a unique educational facility in East and Central Africa, had been in a state of disrepair for many years. The new funding is intended to revitalize the institute and position it to attract students from both Tanzania and abroad.
Speaking at the institute, Casmir Casmir, Director of the National Sugar Institute, said, “We are upgrading classrooms, offices, and other facilities to meet international standards. We have already purchased two vehicles and installed modern, durable classroom furniture. So far, over 3.3 billion shillings have been spent, with an additional 3 billion allocated for the next financial year.”
He also announced plans for a new, modern hostel to accommodate students, including those from neighbouring countries, in a move designed to strengthen the institute’s regional role in training sugar industry professionals.
“The National Sugar Institute was established during the leadership of Tanzania’s first President, Julius Nyerere, to develop expertise for the sugar sector. Now, the government is committed to modernizing it to meet the growing demands of the industry,” Casmir said.
He added that the upgrade is part of the government’s broader efforts to address challenges facing the sugar industry. Through collaboration with key stakeholders under the Sugar Industry Development Trust Fund (SIDTF), the modernization aims to boost the sector by producing a new generation of skilled professionals.
As part of the investment, funds will also be used to send tutors and experts to leading sugar-producing countries such as Brazil, India, and South Africa for advanced training. “We want our professionals to be exposed to modern sugar production technologies and bring back knowledge that will enhance the capabilities of our graduates,” Casmir said.
Highlighting improvements in staffing, he noted, “In 2020, the institute had only 11 staff members, six of whom had already retired. Without new hires, only five would have remained. Now, thanks to recruitment efforts, we have increased the staff to 49, with 18 more positions still to be filled.”
Casmir reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the National Sugar Institute a leading center for sugar industry education in Tanzania and the region. “Our institute is the only one of its kind in East and Central Africa, and neighbouring countries are showing strong interest in sending their professionals here for training,” he said.
He added that renovations of dormitories have been completed, new furniture installed, and permanent seating introduced in nine classrooms as part of efforts to create a fully modernized learning environment.
Mwanaidi Jaffery, a trainer at the institute and Secretary of the Tanzania Sugar and Cane Sector Professionals Association (TSSCT), praised the government’s support. “The transformation of the institute, including curriculum updates and practical training programs for farmers and industry workers, will play a key role in addressing the sugar shortages in the country and ensuring a steady supply of skilled labour,” she said.
