UK envoy visits SBL’s Moshi plant, underscores British investment in Tanzania’s rural economy
Moshi. The British High Commissioner to Tanzania, Marianne Young, has hailed Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) as a model of responsible investment during her official visit to the company’s Moshi plant on Friday, August 1.
Her visit follows a similar engagement in Dar es Salaam in June and highlights the deepening economic ties between the United Kingdom and Tanzania.
“It’s truly impressive to witness first-hand the scale and impact of Serengeti Breweries Limited’s operations here in Moshi,” Ambassador Young said during the tour. “From job creation and farmer empowerment to substantial tax contributions, SBL is a key player in Tanzania’s economic prosperity.”
Owned by Diageo, a global leader in alcoholic beverages, SBL has operations in Moshi, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam. It is one of the country’s major corporate taxpayers and a strategic buyer of local produce, particularly sorghum, maize, and barley.
During the visit, SBL’s Corporate Relations Director, Mr John Wanyancha, said the company’s impact extends far beyond brewing.
“We are not just brewing beverages; we are cultivating livelihoods,” said Mr Wanyancha. “Through our local sourcing programmes, we are empowering over 600 farmers, offering access to high-yield seeds, training, and a guaranteed market.”
He cited the company’s ‘Shamba ni Mali’ initiative and long-standing Kilimo Viwanda efforts as key platforms for supporting Tanzanian farmers.
“These initiatives ensure farmer profitability while improving food security and quality of life across the regions where we operate,” Mr Wanyancha added.
The visit included a detailed tour of the Moshi facility’s brewing operations, quality control systems, and its local sourcing supply chain.
Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) plays a significant role in the Tanzanian economy through multiple channels.
The company generates thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities across the country, contributing to livelihoods in both urban and rural areas. It also makes substantial tax contributions, which help finance essential government services and infrastructure development.
Additionally, SBL has established sustainable partnerships with smallholder farmers, empowering them through reliable market access and agricultural support. Through these efforts, the company not only strengthens local economies but also supports national development goals.Ambassador Young said such partnerships between international investors and Tanzanian communities reflect a shared vision for sustainable and inclusive development.
“SBL shows how foreign investment—when guided by long-term vision and strong community ties—can be a true force for good,” she said.
The visit underscores the role of UK businesses in supporting Tanzania’s agricultural transformation and job creation agenda.
With SBL as a flagship example, both governments are keen to promote public-private collaboration to advance rural development and economic resilience.
“This is a powerful reminder that sustainable business can drive national progress,” Mr Wanyancha noted. “We’re proud to contribute to Tanzania’s growth story—one farm, one family, and one job at a time.”
