BL Agro heads to Africa with Rs 7,000 crore Tanzania bet; targets edible oil, dairy

Bareilly-headquartered FMCG and food manufacturing company BL Agro on Thursday announced its entry into the global market with a strategic investment of Rs7000 crore in Tanzania, Africa. The investment will be spread across phases over the next 10 years. The international expansion will focus across edible oils, dairy and animal husbandry, agriculture, research and manufacturing.

Edible oils will be BL Agro’s primary focus. Tanzania is one of the world’s leading sunflower producers and has significant oilseed potential. As part of its expansion strategy, BL Agro will set up edible oil production and processing facilities that add value locally and meet growing domestic demand.

The company’s global expansion is part of its ambition to become a Rs 30,000 crore group by 2030. The investment will create an integrated ecosystem in Tanzania, combining the country’s agricultural resources with Indian technology and processing expertise, with the potential to make Tanzania BL Agro’s gateway to the wider East African market. It is also expected to strengthen trade, technology and economic cooperation between India and the East African nation.


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 proposed projects. It also coincides with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to India, during which both countries discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and investment.

Commenting on the expansion plans, Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director, BL Agro, said, “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. Tanzania presents significant opportunities across agriculture, food processing, dairy and allied sectors that would act as a key growth driver for BL Agro. We have planned a Rs 7000 crore investment that is aimed at creating long-term partnerships to create value for local communities. This is also designed to bring Indian expertise, technology and industry experience to Tanzania."

“Tanzania Government welcomes BL Agro Industries Limited proposed Rs 7000 crores investment in Tanzania. It is indeed a testament to Tanzania’s rich potential in agriculture, edible oils, dairy and food processing, and to 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 through local value addition and sustainable growth. We see this as the beginning of a strong mutually beneficial long-term friendship”, said Anisa K. Mbega, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to India.

BL Agro will also leverage its growing expertise in animal husbandry and dairy industry by exploring modern dairy infrastructure and unlock opportunities to strengthen Tanzania's livestock ecosystem. The company is also evaluating collaboration with local farmers through contract farming and agricultural supply-chain development. These initiatives could support local production and build stronger linkages between farmers, processing infrastructure and markets.