Kitomari Banking & Finance Blog: SERENGETI BREWERIES STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – March 6, 2026 — Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) has held a strategic meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, Daniel Chongolo, aimed at strengthening public-private collaboration to support Tanzania’s agricultural development, empower farmers, and expand local value chains.

The SBL delegation was led by Board Chairman, Paul Makanza and Managing Director, Obinna Anyalebechi.

During the engagement, the company congratulated the minister on his recent appointment and reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting the government’s agricultural transformation and industrialisation agenda through sustained private sector investment.

Strengthening Local Agricultural Supply Chains

SBL highlighted its growing investment in local agriculture and its efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains.

In 2024, the company sourced approximately 20,000 tonnes of grains locally, representing 80% of its annual raw material requirements. This approach reduces reliance on imports while creating stable market opportunities for Tanzanian farmers.

By integrating locally grown barley, maize, and sorghum into its brewing operations, SBL is strengthening the link between agriculture and manufacturing while contributing to Tanzania’s broader industrialisation goals.

On average, the company contributes over TZS 15 billion annually to farmers within its agricultural supply chain.

Empowering Farmers Through “Shamba ni Mali”

SBL also showcased its flagship agricultural empowerment programme, “Shamba ni Mali,” launched in 2025 to improve farmer productivity and promote sustainable sourcing.

Through the programme, the company collaborates with more than 600 farmers cultivating barley, maize, and sorghum. Participants receive:

Agronomic training
Access to improved inputs
Support for regenerative agriculture practices

These initiatives help improve soil health, increase yields, and promote climate-smart farming.

Importantly, the programme is designed to be inclusive, actively supporting women farmers and people living with disabilities, ensuring agricultural growth benefits diverse communities across the country.

Investing in the Next Generation of Agricultural Professionals

SBL is also supporting youth participation in agriculture through its Kilimo Viwanda initiative.

The programme supports more than 300 young Tanzanians pursuing Diplomas in Agriculture, equipping them with practical farming skills and connecting them with market opportunities.

Several graduates have already established their own farms and are now supplying raw materials directly to SBL, creating a circular ecosystem that links education, agricultural production, and market access.

Driving Economic Impact Across the Value Chain

Beyond agriculture, SBL continues to play a significant role in Tanzania’s economy.

The company directly and indirectly employs more than 800 Tanzanians, while approximately 140,000 people benefit across its extended value chain nationwide.

Speaking during the meeting, SBL Managing Director Obinna Anyalebechi emphasized the company’s broader impact:

“Our work goes beyond brewing. Through initiatives such as Shamba ni Mali and Kilimo Viwanda, we are strengthening local agriculture, empowering farmers and young professionals, and building a resilient supply chain rooted in Tanzanian communities. By investing in local sourcing and farmer development, we are contributing to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem that supports both industry and national economic growth.”

Government Applauds Private Sector Investment

Agriculture Minister Daniel Chongolo commended the company for its continued investment in Tanzanian farmers and youth.

“The Government welcomes strong private sector partners such as Serengeti Breweries Limited who are investing directly in Tanzanian farmers and youth. Initiatives that promote local sourcing, skills development, and climate-smart agriculture are critical to advancing our national agricultural agenda.”

He added that continued collaboration between government and industry will be essential in unlocking the full potential of Tanzania’s agricultural sector.

Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in several key areas, including:

Local agricultural production
Youth empowerment
Value addition
Sustainable agricultural development

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of public-private partnerships in driving Tanzania’s long-term economic transformation, aligned with the country’s Development Vision 2050.

About Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL)

Founded in 1988 as Associated Breweries, Serengeti Breweries Limited is the second-largest beer producer in Tanzania, with its brands accounting for over 25% of the market by volume.

The company operates three production plants located in:

Dar es Salaam
Mwanza
Moshi

Following the majority stake acquisition by East African Breweries Limited and Diageo in 2010, SBL has increased investment in international quality standards and expanded employment opportunities in Tanzania.

The company’s portfolio includes popular beer brands such as: