TANGA: MORE than 474 residents of Mseko and Kigurusimba villages in Pangani District are set to receive compensation before the end of June, as authorities move to clear land for a $350 million sugarcane and sugar manufacturing project expected to transform the economic landscape of Tanga Region.
The compensation exercise was officially launched today, June 24, 2026, by Tanga Regional Commissioner Dr Batilda Buriani, marking a key milestone in the implementation of one of the region’s largest agro-industrial investments.
The project, which will combine large-scale sugarcane cultivation with sugar processing, is expected to boost domestic sugar production, create jobs and stimulate economic activity along the northern coast.
The Tanzania Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) said the compensation process follows the completion of land and property valuation exercises in the affected areas.
A total of 22,000 acres have been earmarked for the development, with beneficiaries expected to receive their payments by June 30, 2026, enabling project implementation to proceed.
Speaking during the launch, Dr Buriani described the investment as a strategic undertaking that would contribute to both regional and national economic growth while opening new opportunities for local communities.
The project is expected to generate employment during both the construction and operational phases, while also creating market opportunities for suppliers, transporters and small businesses linked to the sugar value chain.
Officials noted that timely compensation payments are intended to ensure that affected residents are fairly compensated before development activities commence.
Authorities have urged beneficiaries to submit all required documents, including National Identification Authority (NIDA) cards or voter identification cards, passport photographs, introduction letters from village or local government offices, bank account details, valuation forms issued during property verification and proof of land ownership.
Administrators of inherited estates have also been directed to present legally certified appointment documents endorsed by land authorities to facilitate processing.
The Pangani sugar project forms part of broader efforts to attract investment into agriculture and manufacturing, sectors viewed as critical to Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda and long-term food security objectives.
Once completed, the project is expected to strengthen local sugar production capacity, reduce import dependence and contribute to increased economic activity in Tanga and neighbouring regions.