A new maize processing plant has been completed in Mtanana, as part of the Post-Harvest Crop Management Centre under the Tanzania National Inclusive Post-Harvest Agribusiness Support Project (TANIPAC). The handover ceremony took place on April 15, 2025, in Mtanana, located in Kongwa District, Dodoma Region, with Dr. Stephen Nindi, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture overseeing Cooperatives and Irrigation, presiding over the event. The project, which cost TZS 8.5 billion, was officially transferred to the Director General of the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), Dr. Andrew Komba, marking a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural infrastructure development.
During the handover ceremony, Dr. Nindi praised the efforts of TANIPAC in implementing the maize processing plant project, acknowledging the role of proper infrastructure maintenance in ensuring the long-term success of the facility. He emphasized that the plant’s efficient operation is crucial for its sustainability and that it must be managed with integrity to guarantee positive outcomes for the agricultural sector and the wider community. He further highlighted the significance of this initiative in tackling the challenge of aflatoxin contamination, which has been a concern for maize production in the region. Dr. Nindi urged the NFRA to maintain the infrastructure properly to ensure the continued effectiveness of the project.
The maize processing plant, designed to handle 62 tons per day (TDP), is equipped with modern technology aimed at improving the processing and storage of maize. In addition to the processing plant itself, the project also includes the construction of three steel silos with a total capacity of 9,000 metric tons (MT), a vehicle weighbridge, a warehouse with a capacity of 5,000 MT, and concrete roads to facilitate smooth logistics and transport. The completion of these facilities is expected to streamline maize handling, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the efficiency of the food supply chain in the region.
Dr. Komba, the Director General of NFRA, expressed his gratitude to TANIPAC for successfully completing the project and officially handing over the facilities. He acknowledged the direct benefits this maize processing plant will bring to local communities, especially smallholder farmers. By providing access to modern processing technology, the facility is expected to increase the value of locally produced maize, offering farmers a reliable market for their produce while simultaneously improving food security in the region.
TANIPAC’s Coordinator, Mr. Clepin Josephat, provided additional details about the project’s implementation, noting that the maize processing plant and its associated infrastructure were constructed under the supervision of contractor M/s CRJE (East Africa) Limited. The construction process began in April 2022 and was completed in April 2025. The overall investment of TZS 8.5 billion not only covered the maize processing plant but also the steel silos, weighbridge, warehouse, and concrete roads, all of which contribute to enhancing the overall capacity of the agricultural infrastructure in the region.
This project aligns with the Tanzanian government’s efforts to modernize the agricultural sector and improve post-harvest management practices. With the new maize processing plant in operation, the region is expected to see improved storage capabilities, enhanced maize quality, and a reduction in losses caused by poor handling or inadequate storage facilities. Furthermore, the project aims to foster greater economic stability by creating job opportunities in the processing plant and supporting industries, benefiting the local population in Mtanana and surrounding areas.
In conclusion, the completion of the maize processing plant in Mtanana represents a significant step toward improving the efficiency and sustainability of Tanzania’s agricultural sector. By addressing key challenges such as aflatoxin contamination and post-harvest losses, this initiative holds the potential to positively impact both farmers and consumers in the region. With ongoing support and effective maintenance, the project is poised to contribute to the long-term growth and development of Tanzania’s agricultural industry.
