Diamond export earns Tanzania $63 million in 2022

ARUSHA - The Tanzania government earned $63.1 million from diamond exports last year. This is 7 folds of what was realized in 2021 when the country only managed to earn $8.4 million.

The Tanzania government owns a 25 percent stake in the mining company while a 75 percent stake belongs to the parent company Petra Diamonds.

At the moment Petra Diamonds firm operates in an open pit operation located on the 146-hectare Mwadui kimberlite pipe, which is one of the world’s largest economic kimberlite.

Meanwhile, Kandia Fresh Company-Kenyan fruit company has been banned from operating in Tanzania for harvesting unripe avocados.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture statement, the firm has been engaging in illegal practices and operating without a permit.
Kandia Fresh Company has operations in Njombe, southern east Tanzania.

Minister for Agriculture Hussein Bashe said the ban was effected after the company allegedly bought unripe avocados and dumped them at the Njombe Town Council dumpsite.

"If that company exists in the country, blacklist it immediately, cancel their permission,” said Bashe. He later ordered the arrest of a company employee.

The minister has also directed agricultural extension officers and other government officials to always visits farms and stop the harvesting of unripe avocados.

Avocado is quickly becoming Tanzania’s new green gold. According to the Tanzania Horticultural Association, Tanzania exported over 11,237 tonnes of avocados worth $33 million in 2021.

It is expected to export 15,000 tonnes this year, thus generating $45 million in foreign currency. Figures show Europe imports 85 percent of Tanzanian avocado shipments. France imported the most, followed by the Netherlands and the UK.

GAROWE ONLINE