During Customer Service Week 2026, the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) took its leadership team to Mwanza to engage directly with its members, understand the challenges they face, and proactively work towards practicalteam to Mwanza to engage directly with its members, understand the challenges they face, and proactively work towards practical solutions. Led by Chairman Mr. Hussein Suphian, CTI Management visited manufacturers in Mwanza, met the Regional Commissioner, and brought members together for a breakfast meeting on 7th of October 2026.
From the factory floor
The week began at Nyanza Bottling Company Ltd (NBCL), incorporated in 1984 as a joint venture between SUMARIA and CMG Group. It is one of the largest Coca-Cola franchises in East Africa, bottling and distributing across the Lake Zone regions of Mwanza, Shinyanga, Mara, Kagera, Tabora, Kigoma, Geita and Kahama. The Chairman met General Manager Mr. Varun Pratap Singh to discuss the realities of operating in Mwanza.
At Ziwa Steel, which reached full operation in 2023, the Chairman met CEO Mr. Nittin Gulve and his team. The plant produces rebars, binding wire, nails and grinding media. It employs more than 900 people, over 95% of them local, and exports to Rwanda, Congo and Burundi. Solar power runs more than 60% of its operations, trees are planted in and around the site, and the company supports its community, Nyanza Bottling Company Ltd (NBCL), through projects such as classrooms at Matela Primary School and medical equipment for nearby hospitals, including Mwadui.
Lugeye Investment Limited is a new establishment due to start production before the end of the year, making drinking water, juice and carbonated soft drinks. The Chairman met Director Mr. Justin Kiswaga to introduce CTI and explain how it can support the company from its first day.
Premides Limited produces alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including carbonated soft drinks, flavoured beverages and spirits, as well as corrugated boxes. The Chairman met with the CEO, Mr. Srinivasa Reddy, to discuss issues facing the beverage sector in Mwanza.
Magare Essentials Limited is an ISO-certified manufacturer of safety wear, premium workwear and leatherwear, selling in Tanzania and across other African countries. It has also expanded into soap production through the well-known Mel Soap brand. The Chairman met Deputy Managing Director Mrs. Regina Magangila.
At Prince Pharmaceutical, the Chairman met HR Manager Ms. Rukia Samwel and her team. Founded in 2014 with 28 employees, the company now has 210 direct employees. It started with 11 medicines and now produces 32, 15 for internal use and 17 for external use, with further expansion planned next year. Prince also trains university students in practical skills and supplies building materials to schools in need.
What we heard
The same concerns came up again and again across the visits:
• Power fluctuation, which disrupts production and raises operating costs
• Water shortages in the region
• Multiple levies and frequent disruptions from municipal authorities, alongside VAT return difficulties
Taking the concerns to the Regional Commissioner
On 7th October, CTI Management met with the Regional Commissioner of Mwanza, Honourable CP Salum Rashid Hamduni. The Chairman congratulated him on his appointment and presented the challenges facing members, particularly water supply and power fluctuations. The RC acknowledged both and described the work underway. This includes the construction of a critical water reserve tank, the rehabilitation of old water infrastructure by the regional water authority, and the strengthening of power distribution networks with dedicated power lines, substations and equipment, so that industries have stable and reliable energy.
Members' Breakfast meeting
The visit concluded with a members' breakfast meeting at Golden Crest in Mwanzconcluded with a members' breakfast meeting at Golden Crest in Mwanza on 7th October. It gave members a chance to reflect on the issues raised during the visits, strengthen relationships with one another, and agree on a shared way forward. The discussions reaffirmed two connected priorities for CTI: advocating for a more competitive business environment, and promoting Tanzanian industries.
Conclusion
Alongside listening, the team reminded members of the services available to them, including PVOC exemption, duty remission, and the PID levy arrangement for members importing industrial raw materials. CTI will keep taking the concerns it heard in Mwanza to the decision-makers who can act on them, backed by evidence from members' own operations.
Thank you to every member who opened their doors, shared their challenges, and joined us at the table. Your voice drives our advocacy, and your growth strengthens our industry.
Our members, you are CTI.
CTI in Mwanza: Customer Service Week, Going the Extra Mile for Our Members