MTZ studies tractor assembly plan in Tanzania as farm machines gain ground
Belarusian tractor maker MTZ is in talks with a Tanzanian firm as the country looks to expand the use of machines in farming.
TANZANIA – Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ) is exploring the option of setting up a tractor assembly unit in Tanzania as the country seeks to increase the use of machines in agriculture.
The plan came up during a meeting in Minsk between MTZ managers and a delegation from Kiluwa Group, a Tanzanian industrial conglomerate active in steel, construction and real estate. The Belarusian National News Agency BelTA reported the discussions on January 21.
The talks follow earlier efforts by Tanzania to strengthen ties with the Belarusian manufacturer. In July 2025, a government delegation led by former Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa visited MTZ facilities to review new tractor models and equipment suited to local farming conditions. The visit aimed to prepare future commercial agreements on machinery and accessories.
MTZ has supplied tractors to Tanzania for years. In 2025, the company said it had shipped nearly 140 tractors to the country in recent years. The possible assembly project could help the firm expand its operations and respond better to rising demand for machines and related services in the farming sector.
Rising use of machines in farming
Tanzania still relies heavily on animal traction in many farming areas. Yet the use of tractors has grown steadily. In its 2023 to 2024 annual report, the Ministry of Agriculture said the area of land cultivated by tractors had risen to 4.35 million hectares, more than double the level recorded in the 2019 to 2020 season.
The ministry linked this growth to rising interest from both smallholders and commercial farms, supported by public and private partnerships and investment incentives. However, land cultivated through animal traction still stands at about 4.69 million hectares. This gap shows that the country still has space to expand the use of machines in agriculture.
An MTZ representative said the company sees strong potential in Tanzania. “We see strong interest in our tractors and equipment, and we want to understand how we can support local needs more effectively,” the official said, according to BelTA.
Local partners and future prospects
Kiluwa Group’s involvement points to a possible role for local industry in future assembly plans. A company official said the discussions focused on practical cooperation. “We want to assess the feasibility of local assembly and identify areas where both sides can work together,” the official said.
Analysts say local assembly could shorten delivery times and lower costs for tractors and spare parts. It could also support Tanzania’s push to increase mechanised farming and strengthen links with foreign manufacturers.
If the project moves forward, it could mark an important step in Tanzania’s efforts to expand the use of machines in agriculture and meet growing demand from farmers across the country.
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