The government has applauded a local investor, Mr Emmanuel Joseph Malaga, for establishing a modern pork abattoir in Ubungo, saying the investment will add value to pork products and enable the industry to meet international standards.

The commendation was delivered by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ms Agnes Kisaka Meena, during the closing of the Africa Pig Farmers’ Conference, which attracted over 500 participants from 13 countries.

 Her message was read on her behalf by the ministry’s Assistant Director for Livestock Production and Development, Dr Yeremia Sanka, who also chaired the conference’s organising committee.

Ms Meena said Tanzania’s pork industry has long faced difficulties in accessing global markets because of the absence of certified slaughter facilities. 

“This abattoir is a milestone for our livestock sector. It ensures pork is processed to international standards, giving farmers opportunities to earn more and tap into new markets,” she noted. 

She urged entrepreneurs across all regions to establish similar abattoirs to expand the sector.

Mr Malaga, the owner of the facility, said he was inspired to invest in the abattoir after witnessing the frustrations pig farmers face in traditional slaughter places, where large portions of meat are taken by butchers as part of payment.

 “Here, the farmer remains with all their meat. They only pay a small slaughtering fee,” he explained.

The chairperson of the Tanzania Association of Pig Farmers (TAPIFA), Ms Doreen Elipokea Maro, described the abattoir as a breakthrough for pig farmers.

 “This is a big step forward. With this facility, Tanzanian pork has the chance to reach national supermarkets and international markets, boosting farmers’ incomes,” she said.

Tanzania Meat Board’s Chief Livestock Officer, Mr Mathayo Masele, praised the investment for adhering to regulatory standards and urged other stakeholders to follow suit.