On 24th January 2026, the Tanzania Cigarette Company (TCC), a member of the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), opened its doors to the Standing Parliamentary Committee on Industries, Trade, Agriculture, and Livestock, led by its Chairman, Hon. Deodatus Mwanyika.
The visit, organized by CTI, forms part of the Confederation’s core mandate of bridging the gap between Government and industry, creating a vital platform for policymakers to gain firsthand insight into the realities of industrial production and business operations on the ground.
Welcoming the Committee, CTI Vice Chairman, Eng. Benedict Lema described the visit as a clear demonstration of Parliament’s commitment to Tanzania’s industrialization agenda and long-term economic transformation.
“This visit is an example of Parliament’s true commitment to supporting the agenda of industrial development, industrial economy, and building a competitive economy based on the production and value addition of our domestic resources,” said Eng. Lema.
“We recognize and greatly appreciate this partnership, as it confirms that Parliament is an important stakeholder and close partner of the industrial sector in the journey of our Nation’s development.”
Addressing the Chairman and Members of the Committee, Eng. Lema provided a brief overview of CTI’s role as a membership-based institution representing the manufacturing sector in Tanzania. He emphasized that CTI was established to represent, protect, and advocate for the interests of industrialists, with a central mission of fostering a conducive and competitive business environment for manufacturers.
He further noted that the primary objective of the Committee’s visit was to allow Members of Parliament to observe industrial production firsthand, understand operational realities, and appreciate the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the national economy, particularly in terms of GDP growth, formal employment creation, and value addition to local raw materials.
The visit also provided an opportunity for open dialogue on:
• Operational and environmental challenges facing manufacturers
• Policy, infrastructure, taxation, and competitiveness of locally produced goods
During his remarks, TCC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roy Malili, underscored the company’s strong alignment with national development priorities, stressing that corporate success cannot be separated from community and countrywide progress.
“What is good for the country is good for TCC,” he stated.
“We cannot make profits if the people in the community are not growing. That is why TCC continues to invest in various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.”
TCC also expressed its appreciation to the Committee for its influence in shaping policy frameworks that have delivered tangible positive impacts to the business environment. Among the key reforms acknowledged were the introduction of a three-year tax calendar, local leaf inclusion incentives, removal of loading and offloading charges, EAC domestic tax harmonization, and a 30 percent reduction in ETS costs.
At the same time, the company highlighted several pressing challenges affecting the sector. These include high excise tax increases on tobacco products, a growing threat of illicit trade, and the transition to digital excise tax stamps, noting that the current paper-based system results in high waste levels and reduced production efficiency.
The visit concluded with a shared understanding of the importance of continued engagement between Parliament, Government institutions, and the private sector. CTI reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating constructive dialogue that supports evidence-based policymaking, strengthens industrial competitiveness, and accelerates Tanzania’s journey toward a resilient, inclusive, and production-driven economy.
Parliamentary Committee Engages Industry on the Ground as CTI Hosts Visit to Tanzania Cigarette Company