164bn/- white sheets industry creates 2,000 jobs

KIBAHA: THE government is committed to creating a conducive environment for investors in Tanzania, enabling them to manufacture high-quality goods that can compete in the international market.

The Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Professor Kitila Mkumbo, made this statement during his oneday visit to two industries in Kibaha Town, Coast Region, this week.

Professor Mkumbo, accompanied by the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) toured Kinglion Industry, a major regional manufacturer of roofing sheets and tricycles and GF Vehicle Assemblers (GFA) Ltd, the largest vehicle assembly centre in the country.

After inspecting the production activities at Kinglion Industry, Prof Mkumbo said that the government is working towards fostering a competitive economy, which is why creating a supportive environment for investors remains a priority.

“Our government’s goal is to strengthen the industrial sector not let it decline. We are actively promoting improvements in our local industries to attract more investors,” he stated.

He also noted that Kinglion Industry owner plans to invest 62 million US dollars (about 164bn/-). So far, the industry has already invested 42 million US dollars (about 111.4bn/-).

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“This industry is now producing white sheets, which we used to import from China and South Africa. Now, we can produce them locally. These developments are a direct result of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to attract investors to our country,” Prof Mkumbo explained.

For the 2025/2026 financial year, he stated that the government will focus on improving road infrastructure in economic and industrial zones, as part of its strategy to build a competitive economy.

General Manager of Kinglion Industry, Mr Arnold Lyimo said that the company has created a total of 2,000 jobs, with 800 direct employees and 1,200 indirect employees.

During his visit to GFA, Prof Mkumbo revealed that the government is introducing a policy that will regulate the importation of used vehicles into the country.

This policy aims to encourage local vehicle production rather than relying on the importation of used vehicles.

GFA’s General Manager, Ezra Mereng, told the Minister that the company, with a capital investment of 10bn/-, has the capacity to assemble 3,000 vehicles.

He added that the industry has created 220 jobs so far.