Yesterday, 23 January 2026, the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), through its Vice Chairman, Eng. Benedict Lema joined its member company, ALAF Limited, in welcoming the Minister for Industry and Trade, Hon. Judith Kapinga, during her official visit to the ALAF manufacturing plant.
The visit came at a significant moment for ALAF Limited, which recently marked 65 years of operations in Tanzania, celebrating more than six decades of contribution to the country’s industrial development, infrastructure growth, and employment creation. Both CTI and the Minister congratulated ALAF on this remarkable milestone and extended their best wishes for another successful 65 years of operations in Tanzania.
Speaking during the visit, Eng. Lema expressed CTI’s appreciation for the strong collaboration between the Ministry, the Confederation, and industrialists, noting that such cooperation continues to encourage both local and foreign investors to expand their investments in Tanzania.
He emphasized that CTI is proud of ALAF Limited for its significant contribution to the industrial sector, citing the company’s continued investments, job creation, and alignment with the national agenda of promoting industrial growth and employment.
Eng. Lema further highlighted that ALAF Limited remains one of the leading industrial players in the country, with substantial investments in modern manufacturing technology that support value addition, reduce imports, and strengthen the local supply chain.
On behalf of ALAF Limited, Ms. Hawa Bayumi, External Affairs Manager, presented an overview of the company’s investments and operational experience. She commended the Government for introducing a 10 percent industrial levy, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening local manufacturing. However, she also outlined key challenges facing the steel sector, including the need for faster processing of VAT refunds to support cash flow, access to EAC Duty Remission for critical raw materials such as rolling oil, paint, and GI used in PETS manufacturing, and the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat illicit trade.
In her remarks, Hon. Judith Kapinga noted that she had previously engaged with ALAF as a member of CTI and had committed to visiting their facilities to gain a firsthand understanding of industrial operations. She reiterated that the Government is keen to work closely with manufacturers to ensure sustained growth of industries and investments in the country, emphasizing that the private sector, particularly manufacturers, remains a key driver of employment creation, especially for Tanzanian youth.
The Minister received the challenges presented and stated that, through CTI, the Government will consolidate tax-related proposals for submission to the Ministry of Finance for further consideration. On the issue of illicit trade, she reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to protecting local industries and consumers, stressing that counterfeit and substandard products are treated with utmost seriousness. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen quality control and enforcement, including the expansion of TBS operations in regions such as Mwanza, Dodoma, and Arusha to enhance market surveillance and compliance.
In closing, CTI reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to working closely with the Government and the private sector to foster a conducive business environment, support industrial development, and drive sustainable economic growth. The visit underscored the shared resolve of all stakeholders to strengthen Tanzania’s industrial base, promote local manufacturing, and position the country as a competitive destination for long-term industrial investment.
CTI and Government Strengthen Industrial Partnership as Minister Kapinga Visits ALAF Limited