On 28 June 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the ITRACOM Fertilizers Limited plant in Nala, Dodoma, urging Tanzanians to seize the opportunity of using locally produced, affordable fertilizer to increase productivity and reduce reliance on imports.
The plant, owned by Burundian company ITRACOM Fertilizers, has an annual production capacity of one million tonnes, and currently employs 1,500 workers with a target of reaching 3,000 jobs.
President Samia stressed that up to 90% of fertilizer used in Africa is imported, which has resulted in low usage across the continent and limited agricultural productivity.
She noted that the launch of the plant marks a major step forward in reducing this dependency and aligns with Tanzania’s strategy to transform agriculture through domestic production, improved input access, and job creation.
She also highlighted the government’s fertilizer subsidy program, which aims to lower costs for farmers and promote the use of local fertilizer products, increasing farmer uptake and yields nationwide.
The President called on the company to strengthen its fertilizer distribution system, especially in rural areas, and to work with agricultural research institutions and local governments to educate farmers on best fertilizer use practices.
She emphasized that the factory is a direct result of government efforts to attract investment in agriculture and is a model of how industrial development can support national priorities in food security and employment.
Speaking at the event, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye praised the strong bilateral ties between Burundi and Tanzania, describing the ITRACOM investment in Dodoma as a sign of economic solidarity and partnership between the two countries.
Delivering part of his remarks in Kiswahili, he said Burundians are now coming to Tanzania as investors instead of refugees, and affirmed that the plant will reduce fertilizer import costs, improve supply reliability for farmers, and contribute to food security across Africa.
President Samia also referenced joint infrastructure projects between Tanzania and Burundi, such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Uvinza to Musongati, as examples of their deepening cooperation.
