BL Agro to Invest Rs 7,000 Crore in Tanzania in First Overseas Expansion

BL Agro, the Bareilly-headquartered FMCG and food manufacturing company, announced today that it will invest Rs7,000 crore in Tanzania over the next 10 years, marking its first move into the global market. The investment will be made in phases and will cover edible oils, dairy and animal husbandry, agriculture, research and manufacturing. The company expects the projects to generate about one lakh local employment opportunities.

The expansion is part of BL Agro’s goal of becoming a Rs30,000 crore group by 2030. The company says it plans to build an integrated ecosystem in Tanzania that combines the country’s agricultural resources with Indian technology and processing expertise. It also sees Tanzania as a possible gateway to the wider East African market.

Timed with presidential visit

The announcement follows a recent visit to Tanzania by a five-member BL Agro delegation, which met government representatives and stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities and a roadmap for the projects. It also coincides with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to India, during which the two countries discussed deepening bilateral cooperation and investment.

Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director of BL Agro, said Tanzania offers immense growth potential. “Tanzania is an agriculture and livestock powerhouse with significant headroom to raise productivity, and that is where Indian technology and processing expertise can make a real difference,” he said. He added that the investment is aimed at creating long-term partnerships and value for local communities, and that the company looks forward to working with the Tanzanian government and local stakeholders to build a sustainable and mutually beneficial business ecosystem.

Anisa K. Mbega, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to India, welcomed the proposal. She said it reflected Tanzania’s potential in agriculture, edible oils, dairy and food processing, and the growing warmth of India-Tanzania trade and investment ties. “This collaboration will bring valuable technology, create jobs, nurture skills, and most importantly empower our farmers,” she said, describing it as the beginning of a long-term, mutually beneficial friendship.

Edible oils at the core

Edible oils will be the primary focus. Tanzania is one of the world’s leading sunflower producers and has significant oilseed potential. BL Agro plans to set up production and processing facilities that add value locally and serve growing domestic demand.

Beyond oils, the company will draw on its experience in animal husbandry and dairy to explore modern dairy infrastructure and strengthen Tanzania’s livestock sector. It is also evaluating contract farming arrangements and agricultural supply-chain development with local farmers, which could link growers more closely with processing facilities and markets.

BL Agro is also exploring opportunities aligned with Tanzania’s Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme, with an emphasis on technology transfer, employment generation, agricultural development and local value addition.