Empowering Tanzanian Farmers: An Exclusive Interview with Telesphory Gama, MD of MALI

By Adonis Byemelwa

In an exclusive conversation with Pan African Visions Bureau Chief for Tanzania, Telesphory Gama, the Managing Director of Muleba Association for Agriculture & Local Industries (MALI), shares the remarkable journey of MALI Juice. From tackling supply chain hurdles to navigating regulatory red tape, Gama sheds light on the company’s resilience, ambitions, and the future of small-scale agro-processing in Tanzania.

What inspired you to establish MALI, and how has the journey been so far?

MALI was born from a pressing need—to create a sustainable market for small-scale fruit farmers in Muleba. Before we stepped in, many farmers were forced to sell at throwaway prices, and much of their produce went to waste due to inadequate storage and processing facilities. We saw an opportunity to bridge this gap, starting small by producing fresh juice from locally sourced pineapples, mangoes, oranges, and mandarins.

What started as a modest project has since transformed into a thriving enterprise, providing stability for farmers while offering consumers a natural, high-quality juice alternative. It hasn’t been easy—regulatory bottlenecks, supply chain constraints, and the high cost of glass packaging have tested our resilience. But every challenge has only strengthened our resolve. Today, MALI is not just a business; it’s a movement dedicated to ensuring local farmers earn fair value while delivering excellence to the market.

Securing a consistent supply of raw materials is a major challenge. Climate change has disrupted traditional growing cycles, making fruit availability unpredictable. For instance, pineapples that were once abundant year-round now require careful coordination with farmers to ensure a steady flow. While we’ve built strong relationships with growers, fluctuating harvests remain a limiting factor.
Then, there’s the issue of regulatory fees and compliance. While we understand the importance of maintaining standards, the cost of acquiring licenses and meeting the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) requirements is a huge burden on small businesses. The bureaucratic process is slow, diverting resources that could otherwise be used for scaling up production and improving packaging.

Why do you prefer glass bottles despite their cost and logistical challenges?

Glass bottles preserve the natural taste and quality of our juice, ensuring consumers get a pure, untainted product. However, they’re expensive and difficult to transport, limiting our ability to scale. That’s why we’re actively working on transitioning to stand-up pouches, which are more cost-effective and easier to distribute. This shift will help us reach new markets, both domestically and internationally.

Currently, we process only about 20% of the pineapples grown in Muleba—not due to lack of demand, but because our factory’s capacity is limited. Expanding requires upgrading our equipment, enhancing packaging solutions, and securing consistent fruit supplies. We’re also looking to support farmers with better seedlings and farming inputs to boost yields. The vision is to create a stronger, more efficient value chain where everyone—from the farmer to the consumer—benefits.

What are your plans for national and international markets?

Expansion beyond Kagera has always been part of our strategy. The transition to stand-up pouches will be a game-changer, making our products more affordable and easier to distribute nationwide. We’re targeting major cities like Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha, where the demand for natural, preservative-free juice is growing.

On the international front, we’re actively exploring partnerships to navigate export logistics and regulatory requirements. Neighboring countries present an excellent opportunity, as there’s a strong demand for high-quality, fresh juice. Beyond logistics, brand visibility is crucial. We’re investing in marketing, leveraging social media, and participating in trade fairs to position MALI as a trusted name in agro-processing.

Of course, funding remains a challenge. We’re continuously seeking grants, investors, and strategic collaborations to help us scale sustainably. The goal is clear—MALI Juice on supermarket shelves across Africa and beyond, bringing the taste of Muleba’s finest pineapples to the world.

What message do you have for investors and policymakers regarding agro-processing in Tanzania?

Tanzania’s agro-processing sector holds enormous untapped potential. Smallholder farmers are eager to embrace value addition, but scaling up requires strategic investment in infrastructure, sustainable farming practices, and market access.

MALI’s journey proves that with the right support, local businesses can thrive, delivering both economic returns and social impact. Agro-processing isn’t just about business—it’s about empowering communities, reducing rural-to-urban migration, and creating sustainable livelihoods.

For investors, this is a space brimming with opportunities. For policymakers, streamlining regulatory processes and offering incentives to small-scale processors could unlock massive growth in the industry. The future of Tanzania’s agricultural sector depends on our ability to harness its full potential—and MALI is committed to being at the forefront of that transformation.