Corus International has entered into a strategic partnership with the Government of Tanzania to significantly enhance the country’s coffee and cocoa industries. This collaboration was formalized through the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) and the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA), marking a major step toward transforming Tanzania’s agricultural landscape.
As part of this initiative, a total of $30 million USD (approximately 81 billion Tanzanian shillings) will be mobilized to boost production levels in both sectors. The ambitious goal is to increase annual coffee output from 80,000 metric tons to 300,000 metric tons and cocoa production from 14,490 metric tons to 80,000 metric tons by the year 2030. This growth is expected to raise incomes for farmers, improve the livelihoods of thousands of households, and strengthen both regional and national revenues.
The partnership is aligned with broader national efforts to implement comprehensive strategies for coffee and cocoa development. Led by the Ministry of Agriculture, the project aims to unlock the full potential of these high-value crops by addressing key challenges, enhancing productivity, and integrating farmers into global value chains.
A significant focus of the initiative is ensuring compliance with international trade requirements, starting with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). To meet these standards, the collaboration will involve detailed analysis of current production and marketing systems. This includes registering farmers, mapping their plots, and evaluating environmental and deforestation risks, with the goal of ensuring full traceability from farm to port.
The project will also prioritize sustainability and value addition, creating new opportunities for employment particularly for women and young people through the expansion of agro-processing industries and improved market access. By meeting international standards and tapping into global demand for ethically sourced products, Tanzanian coffee and cocoa are expected to gain a competitive edge in export markets.
Corus International brings nearly 40 years of global experience in advancing coffee and cocoa production systems. The organization specializes in building partnerships that empower smallholder farmers, enhance environmental sustainability, and foster long-term economic growth in underserved regions. Through this partnership, Corus will contribute its technical expertise, resources, and global networks to support Tanzania’s efforts to become a leading producer and exporter of high-quality coffee and cocoa.
The Tanzania Coffee Board will play a central role in regulating and developing the coffee industry. Its mandate includes providing strategic guidance on all aspects of the coffee value chain from cultivation and harvesting to processing and international marketing. Meanwhile, COPRA will oversee the regulation of cocoa and other agricultural produce, ensuring quality standards and facilitating market linkages.
This collaboration reflects a shared vision of driving agricultural transformation through public-private partnerships. It represents a milestone in Tanzania’s journey toward becoming a hub for premium agricultural exports, while also promoting environmental stewardship and inclusive economic development.
With sustained commitment and the combined efforts of the government, Corus International, and other stakeholders, this initiative holds great promise for reshaping Tanzania’s coffee and cocoa sectors and unlocking new economic opportunities for communities across the country.
