“Dr. Salumu Diwani Highlights the ‘Koga’ Mango Variety: A Top Export Choice from Tanzania”

The Koga Mango: Sweetness Redefined in Tanzania’s Agricultural Landscape

“Dr. Salumu Diwani Highlights the ‘Koga’ Mango Variety: A Top Export Choice from Tanzania”

In the fertile soils of Tanzania, a new star is rising in the global mango market—the Koga mango. Renowned agricultural expert Dr. Salumu Diwani has unveiled this exceptional variety, calling it one of Tanzania’s finest export-quality fruits. With its remarkable sweetness, extended shelf life, and resilience, the Koga mango is capturing attention as a game-changer for farmers, exporters, and consumers. Hailed as “possibly the sweetest mango in the world,” it stands as a testament to Tanzania’s agricultural potential.

---

A Mango Rooted in Excellence

Tanzania, the 12th largest mango producer globally, is no stranger to exceptional fruit. The country’s mango production has steadily increased at a rate of 1.7% annually and is projected to reach 501,710 metric tons by 2026. Amid this growth, the Koga mango emerges as a beacon of promise, cultivated in the Mkuranga District within the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT).

Koga Farm, located in Kibamba Village in this agriculturally significant region, serves as the cradle of this unique mango. The farm’s advanced practices not only yield premium mangoes but also highlight the potential of the SAGCOT initiative, which focuses on boosting productivity, improving market access, and fostering sustainable practices.

---

Sweetness Meets Resilience

The Koga mango’s unique flavor profile—a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess—sets it apart. Its firm texture ensures freshness during transportation, making it an ideal candidate for both domestic and international markets. While traditional varieties like Ngowe and Apple dominate Tanzania’s local markets, the Koga mango is carving out its place in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Dr. Diwani calls it a “jewel of Tanzania’s agricultural crown,” emphasizing its potential to elevate Tanzania’s reputation as a key player in the global mango trade. Its unparalleled qualities make it a symbol of innovation and excellence in the country’s horticultural sector.

---

A Catalyst for Economic Growth

The Koga mango represents more than just a fruit; it’s an economic opportunity with the power to transform lives. By enhancing its production and export, Tanzania can create jobs, increase farmers’ incomes, and boost foreign exchange earnings. Government support, such as tax exemptions for sorting, grading, and packaging technologies, further strengthens the sector’s capacity to compete globally.

The SAGCOT region has also benefited from CARE International Canada-funded initiative to empower over 175,000 farmers, focusing on youth and women. Projects like these amplify the impact of crops like the Koga mango by equipping farmers with modern techniques and market access.

---

Challenges and Innovations

Despite its potential, the mango industry faces hurdles. Limited access to quality planting materials, urban sprawl reducing agricultural land, and pest control challenges remain significant barriers. However, the Koga mango provides a unique opportunity for value addition. Innovations such as processing mangoes into juice, chutneys, or even niche products like vegan leather and mango kernel oil offer a pathway to increased profitability and sustainability.

With proper investment in research, infrastructure, and farmer training, the Koga mango can overcome these challenges and become a flagship product for Tanzania’s agricultural exports.

---

Unlocking the Koga’s Full Potential

Dr. Diwani believes that unlocking the Koga mango’s potential requires collaboration across the value chain. From farmers to policymakers and exporters, every stakeholder plays a role. Modern farming practices, improved post-harvest handling, and farmer education are critical steps toward maximizing the Koga mango’s economic and social impact.

“This mango is not just a fruit—it’s a promise of prosperity,” Dr. Diwani emphasizes. “Its success can transform lives, boost rural economies, and solidify Tanzania’s place on the global agricultural map.”

---

A Sweet Future for Tanzania

The Koga mango encapsulates Tanzania’s agricultural ingenuity, combining tradition with innovation. As the country strengthens its mango industry through government initiatives, private investments, and farmer empowerment, the Koga mango is poised to shine on the world stage.

With its unparalleled sweetness and export potential, the Koga mango isn’t just a rising star—it’s the future of Tanzanian horticulture. This is Tanzania’s moment to redefine excellence in mango production, and the Koga mango is leading the way