Background and Ownership

KEDA Glass Factory in Tanzania is operated by KEDA Industrial Group, a major Chinese manufacturer of building materials and machinery. The company entered the African market through partnerships focused on ceramics and construction materials, eventually expanding into glass production. In Tanzania, it operates under the name KEDA (Tanzania) Ceramics Company Limited, sometimes associated with the “Twyford Tanzania” brand.

Location and Facilities

The factory is located in Msufini Village, Mkuranga District, within the Pwani (Coast) Region. This area also hosts KEDA’s ceramic operations, while the company maintains administrative offices in Dar es Salaam. Construction of the float glass plant began in 2022, and operations started around 2024.

Investment and Capacity

The project represents an investment of roughly USD 87 million. Around USD 52 million was financed through commercial loans, with the remainder contributed by the project’s local implementation partner. The factory has an estimated production capacity of about 600 tons of architectural glass per day, positioning it as one of the largest and only float glass manufacturers in East Africa.

Products and Market Strategy

KEDA’s Tanzanian glass plant focuses on producing architectural and building glass used in windows, facades, and exterior structures. Its production strategy is designed to meet both domestic and regional demand, with a significant portion—around three-quarters—intended for export to neighboring countries.

Strategic Importance

The factory supports Tanzania’s industrialization goals by reducing dependence on imported glass products and promoting local manufacturing. It contributes to economic development through job creation, technology transfer, and support for local supply chains such as raw material sourcing and logistics.

Challenges and Considerations

Setting up and operating a float glass plant is capital-intensive and technologically demanding. The company has received government support to address operational and infrastructural challenges. Future success will depend on consistent production quality, competitive pricing, and stable export logistics.