Tanga salt factory boosts smallholder incomes, expands regional markets

Tanga. The Tanga-based Tansalt factory has emerged as a vital support system for small-scale salt miners and farmers in the country by providing a reliable market for their produce, a move that has raised incomes and enhanced the value of salt in both domestic and regional markets.

Resident Mines Officer for Tanga Region, Eng Laurent Bujashi, said small-scale producers had long faced difficulties selling their produce due to unstable prices and the lack of dependable buyers. 

He noted that the entry of Tansalt into the market has transformed the sector by strengthening the salt value chain.

According to him, the factory purchases raw salt from artisanal miners in Tanga and other coastal regions, processes it, and distributes it widely across national and export markets.

“Beyond value addition, the factory has created jobs for Tanga residents and spurred other economic activities, including transport, small-scale businesses, and social services. Moreover, the availability of iodised salt produced by Tansalt has played a significant role in combating iodine deficiency disorders in the country,” said Eng Bujashi.

Industry stakeholders point to Tansalt as an example of how collaboration between the government and the private sector can unlock the potential of natural resources to drive development.

They also argue that such ventures encourage further investment in processing plants to expand the reach of Tanzanian salt in regional markets.

For his part, Tansalt Director Badru Issa Badru said the factory produces domestic salt, industrial salt, and iodised salt for human health.

“Tansalt is committed to ensuring that salt miners and farmers across the country access a guaranteed market for their produce. We process the raw salt they supply to meet national and regional standards, thereby boosting their income,” he said.