BL Agro, the Bareilly-headquartered FMCG and food manufacturing company, has announced plans to invest ₹7,000 crore in Tanzania over the next 10 years, marking its entry into international markets. The phased investment will span edible oils, dairy, animal husbandry, agriculture, research and manufacturing, with edible oil production expected to be the company’s primary focus.
The expansion forms part of BL Agro’s ambition to become a ₹30,000 crore group by 2030. The company aims to establish an integrated agricultural and food-processing ecosystem in Tanzania by combining the country’s agricultural resources with Indian technology and industrial expertise.
Edible Oils to Lead BL Agro’s Expansion
Edible oils will be central to the investment strategy, as Tanzania has significant oilseed production potential and is a major producer of sunflower seeds. BL Agro plans to establish edible oil production and processing facilities to support domestic demand while increasing local value addition.
Developing processing infrastructure within Tanzania could help strengthen connections between agricultural production, manufacturing and consumer markets. The initiative also aligns with the company’s broader plan to expand its food manufacturing capabilities beyond India.
By investing in local processing, BL Agro intends to create a foundation for long-term operations in Tanzania and explore opportunities to serve neighbouring East African markets.
Dairy and Animal Husbandry Opportunities
Alongside edible oils, BL Agro plans to explore opportunities in dairy infrastructure and animal husbandry. The company intends to draw on its experience in India’s dairy and livestock sectors to evaluate ways to strengthen Tanzania’s livestock ecosystem.
Potential initiatives include modern dairy infrastructure, collaboration with local farmers, contract farming arrangements and agricultural supply-chain development. These efforts could help connect farmers with processing facilities and markets, supporting local production and improving the value generated from agricultural activities.
The proposed investment covers multiple connected sectors, although detailed project timelines, facility locations and implementation milestones have not yet been specified in the announcement.
Tanzania Could Become a Gateway to East Africa
BL Agro views Tanzania as a potential gateway to the wider East African market. The proposed integrated ecosystem is expected to combine local agricultural resources with Indian processing technology, research capabilities and manufacturing expertise.
The investment could also create opportunities for employment, skills development and technology transfer. Its potential impact will depend on project implementation, partnerships with local stakeholders and the development of suitable processing and supply-chain infrastructure.
Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director of BL Agro, said Tanzania offered significant opportunities across agriculture, food processing, dairy and related sectors. He highlighted the potential for Indian technology and processing expertise to improve productivity and create long-term partnerships that benefit local communities.
India–Tanzania Cooperation Supports Investment Plans
The announcement follows a visit to Tanzania by a five-member BL Agro delegation, which met government representatives and other stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities and a roadmap for the proposed projects.
The development also coincides with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to India, during which the two countries discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and investment.
Anisa K. Mbega, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to India, welcomed the proposed investment. She highlighted the opportunities for technology adoption, job creation, skills development and greater value addition within Tanzania’s agricultural sector.
Long-Term Growth Ambitions
BL Agro’s international expansion represents a significant step in its strategy to diversify geographically and build a broader presence across food and agriculture value chains. Its planned ₹7,000 crore investment over a decade would establish a major long-term commitment to Tanzania if implemented as announced.
The focus on edible oils, dairy, livestock and agricultural supply chains offers the potential to connect Indian industrial expertise with East African production opportunities. As projects progress, their scale, timing and local partnerships will determine how the investment contributes to BL Agro’s 2030 growth ambitions and Tanzania’s food-processing and agricultural development.
