Kilombero Sugar Company Limited (KSCL) is one of the largest and most established sugar producers in Tanzania. The company is located in the Kilombero Valley within the Morogoro Region, an area known for its fertile land and favorable climate for sugarcane cultivation. KSCL operates under the well-known brand name “Bwana Sukari,” which has become a trusted household name in the Tanzanian market. The company plays a key role in Tanzania’s sugar industry and contributes significantly to the country’s agricultural and industrial development. It was founded with the mission to produce high-quality sugar for domestic consumption while supporting local farmers and promoting rural economic growth.
Kilombero Sugar Company is a subsidiary of Illovo Sugar Africa, which is the largest sugar producer in Africa and itself a subsidiary of Associated British Foods Plc, a multinational food and retail group based in the United Kingdom. The ownership structure of KSCL is a joint venture between Illovo Sugar Africa, which holds 75% of the shares, and the Government of Tanzania, which owns the remaining 25%. This partnership reflects the company’s blend of international management expertise and strong local participation, aligning with national goals of industrial growth and food self-sufficiency.
The company operates two sugar estates and factories located at Msolwa and Ruembe, separated by the Great Ruaha River. Together, these estates cultivate over 10,000 hectares of sugarcane directly, while the company also works closely with over 8,000 outgrower farmers who cultivate an additional 16,000 hectares. KSCL purchases sugarcane from these farmers, processes it in its modern factories, and packages it for the market. The company’s annual production capacity stands at approximately 126,000 tonnes of sugar, meeting a significant share of Tanzania’s national demand. Kilombero Sugar has also invested in renewable energy generation by utilizing bagasse—the fibrous residue of sugarcane—to produce electricity that powers its operations and reduces reliance on external energy sources.
Beyond production, KSCL has had a strong social and economic impact on surrounding communities. It provides employment to thousands of people both directly and indirectly through farming, logistics, and supply services. The company also supports smallholder farmers through training programs, access to agricultural inputs, and extension services aimed at improving yields and income levels. Through these efforts, Kilombero Sugar Company has positioned itself not only as a leader in Tanzania’s sugar industry but also as a key driver of rural development and industrial transformation in the region.