Morogoro, Tanzania – September 11, 2025: Kilombero Sugar Company marked a major milestone this week by hosting the 2025 Managers in Training (MIT) Conference, celebrating 23 years of cultivating leadership and technical excellence in Tanzania’s sugar industry. The event brought together government officials, corporate leaders, mentors, and aspiring managers to honor the legacy and future of the MIT program.
Opening the conference, Kilombero Sugar’s Human Resources Director, Ms. Diana Mwakitwange, emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering inclusive growth.
“This program is not just about training managers, it’s about building a generation of leaders who will shape the future of our industry and our nation,” she said.
Representing the Guest of Honour, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Erick Mgaya, was introduced by Assistant Director for TVET. Dr. Mgaya praised Kilombero Sugar’s strategic investment in human capital:
“This is not just a success story; it is a national asset. Every graduate who emerges from this program is a torchbearer of innovation, productivity, and national pride.”
He highlighted the program’s alignment with national standards and its contribution to Tanzania’s broader goals of industrialization, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
Mr. Guy Williams, Managing Director of Kilombero Sugar Company, reflected on the program’s evolution and impact:
“Leadership is not inherited, it is cultivated. For 23 years, we’ve mentored over 80 aspiring managers, many of whom now hold senior roles across the country.”
He called for increased support from the Ministry, including allocating a portion of the Skills Development Levy to strengthen the National Sugar Institute, addressing the sector’s skills gap.
Ambroce Heri, Agriculture Trainee and Presentation Winner a standout trainee from Estate Agriculture, captivated the audience with his winning presentation:
“This program has transformed my perspective, not just on agriculture, but on leadership and community impact.”
His story exemplified the transformative power of mentorship and opportunity.
The conference underscored the importance of industry-academia collaboration. With 85 graduates to date, including 27 still serving within Kilombero Sugar, the MIT program continues to be a model of excellence. The Ministry reaffirmed its support for such initiatives, recognizing their role in bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
As the conference concluded, stakeholders echoed a unified call to expand the program, deepen partnerships with educational institutions, and explore new disciplines to meet the evolving needs of Tanzania’s economy.
“To the trainees, your journey is just beginning. You are not just future managers; you are future nation builders,” Dr. Mgaya affirmed.
Kilombero Sugar Company remains committed to shaping leaders, empowering communities, and driving sustainable growth one trainee at a time.
