Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Tanzania is positioning itself at the forefront of a global spice renaissance, with the Uluguru Mountains in Morogoro emerging as a new frontier for high-value commercial spice production. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Agricultural Growth Corridors of Tanzania (AGCOT), formerly known as SAGCOT, under the leadership of CEO Geoffrey Kirenga.
A Region Rich in Biodiversity and Opportunity
Part of the Eastern Arc Mountains—one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots—the Ulugurus stand alongside the Pare, Usambara, Nguru, Ukaguru, Rubeho, Udzungwa, and Mahenge ranges. These mountain systems not only safeguard critical ecosystems but also provide fertile soils and unique microclimates ideal for high-quality spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves.
“The Ulugurus are not just breathtaking in beauty; they represent boundless opportunities for Tanzania to claim its rightful place in the global spice trade,” said Kirenga.
A Booming Global Spice Industry
According to industry projections, the global spice market is set to reach USD 27.51 billion by 2025, with a steady growth trajectory of 5.25% annually through 2033. This surge is being fueled by rising global demand for exotic ethnic cuisines, health-conscious consumers seeking antioxidant-rich ingredients, and the rapid expansion of spice e-commerce.
Tanzania—already a major global producer of cloves from Zanzibar—is now expanding its spice portfolio inland, tapping into previously underutilized mountain regions. This diversification strategy aims to generate new income streams for farmers, attract agribusiness investors, and transform Tanzania into a competitive player in the premium spice segment.
From Local Farmers to Global Value Chains
AGCOT’s model brings together smallholder farmers, private sector processors, exporters, and international buyers through integrated “growth corridors.” The goal: to move beyond subsistence production toward high-quality, certified spice exports that meet global standards.
“The spice renaissance is not only about exports,” Kirenga noted. “It is about creating inclusive value chains where women and youth benefit, communities thrive, and Tanzania strengthens its reputation as a green, sustainable agricultural powerhouse.”
Strategic Positioning for 2030 and Beyond
With agriculture central to Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and Agenda 10/30 (targeting USD 5 billion in annual agricultural export earnings by 2030), spices are being positioned as a high-value driver of both economic growth and rural transformation. Investments in processing, branding, and certification are expected to add significant value, while eco-friendly farming practices safeguard the fragile mountain ecosystems.
As global consumers increasingly seek authenticity and sustainability in their food choices, Tanzania’s spice story is set to resonate well beyond its borders. From the kitchens of New Delhi to the gourmet markets of Paris, the aroma of Tanzanian spices may soon carry the scent of a nation’s transformation.
In the meantime, the Spice Agroforestry Project in Morogoro, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), is moving from vision to reality.
Implemented by AGCOT Centre Ltd with the Morogoro Regional Secretariat, TAHA, and IUCN, and in close collaboration with local leaders from Tawa, Konde, and Mkuyuni Wards, the project will:
🌱 Restore 5,000 hectares of degraded land around the Uluguru Mountains
👩🏾🌾 Train 5,000 farmers (40% youth, up to 50% women) in climate-smart spice farming
🏗 Establish nurseries, solar dryers, and an essential oil extraction unit as part of a Spice One-Stop Centre
This week, field visits confirmed over 2,000 farmers for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, set to begin on 30 September 2025 and continue through the week of 3 October 2025 at designated stations. Farmers will also receive training in value addition, quality standards, and financial literacy, delivered by experts from TBS, COPRA, and TCDC, alongside private sector partners such as TCRS, Get Aroma Spices, and Farm Side Company.
Site selection for solar dryers and the essential oil extraction unit prioritised villages already mapped in the project plan, considering accessibility, transport infrastructure, and proximity to markets.
All structures will be centralised to anchor the Spice One-Stop Centre, a hub for processing, storage, and farmer services that will position Morogoro as Tanzania’s centre of sustainable spice production and biodiversity restoration.
This is more than an agricultural project; it is an investment in resilience, livelihoods, and nature-based solutions. With the support of the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, we are building a spice value chain that:
✅ Connects farmers to high-value markets
✅ Restores degraded ecosystems
✅ Drives inclusive green growth
📸 Highlights from the field:
1️⃣ Verification of solar dryer sites in Mkuyuni and Tawa Wards
2️⃣ Decision-making meeting with local leaders on seedling dissemination and farmer allocations
3️⃣ Stakeholder recap session in Mkuyuni ahead of training
4️⃣ Visit to a spice store at Tawa Market Centre, where a spice hub is being developed under the project