Agricultural Boom: AGCOT Corridors Pave the Way for Youth-Led Success

DODOMA, Tanzania – A recent high-profile visit by a delegation from the Norwegian Embassy in Tanzania, alongside representatives from the AGCOT Centre, has cast a spotlight on the transformative power of strategic agricultural development in Tanzania. On June 26, 2025, the delegation toured the Raha Vegetable Farm branch in Kibaigwa, Dodoma, a testament to the thriving potential within the country’s agricultural sector, particularly through the framework of AGCOT corridors.

Raha Vegetable Farm, spearheaded by the dynamic youthful entrepreneur Raha Aloyce, has garnered widespread recognition for its significant contributions to producing high-quality tomato seedlings. What makes Raha’s success particularly compelling is its strategic alignment with and leveraging of AGCOT’s innovative corridor-based approach to agricultural development.

The farm’s impressive expansion spans across three vital AGCOT corridors:

• Morogoro (SAGCOT Corridor): Where the journey began.
• Tanga (Northern Corridor): Marking an early expansion north.
• Dodoma (Central Corridor): Establishing a crucial central hub.
• Kahama (Lake Zone, Central Corridor): The most recent extension, further solidifying its presence within the Central Corridor.

This deliberate and strategic growth trajectory perfectly exemplifies the vision of AGCOT (formerly SAGCOT Centre) in fostering interconnected agricultural hubs that facilitate efficient production, distribution, and market access.

During the visit, the Norwegian Embassy and AGCOT representatives gained firsthand insight into Raha Vegetable Farm’s meticulous seedling production facilities. They also engaged with local tomato farmers who shared compelling testimonials, highlighting the tangible benefits reaped from using Raha’s seedlings. These benefits include significantly increased yields, a reduction in common production challenges, and improved access to markets – all critical factors for empowering smallholder farmers.

Mr. Yassin Mkwizu, representing the Norwegian Embassy, lauded Raha Aloyce for her exceptional contributions to the growth of Tanzania’s agricultural sector. He reiterated the Norwegian Embassy’s unwavering commitment to empowering smallholder farmers through strategic partnerships with key stakeholders like AGCOT, underscoring the collaborative effort driving this agricultural renaissance.

Leading the AGCOT delegation were Ms. Anna Mtaita, Head of Finance and Administration, and Mr. John Banga Nakei, Acting Head of Clusters. Their presence highlighted AGCOT Centre’s deliberate strategy to promote youth-led commercial agriculture. Raha Aloyce’s remarkable journey is intrinsically linked to AGCOT’s foresight; the Centre identified and nurtured her potential during the formative years of her venture. This enduring partnership has been instrumental in providing Raha Vegetable Farm with crucial technical support, invaluable growth opportunities, and access to strategic networks, ultimately accelerating its expansion and impact across Tanzania.

According to Raha Aloyce, the farm’s reach extends nationwide, with a significant portion of its produce also earmarked for export. She elaborated on Raha Vegetable Farm’s commitment to cultivating and supplying a diverse range of healthy, high-quality seedlings—including tomatoes, bell peppers, and various other vegetable crops—through their specialized nurseries. Her ultimate vision is to consistently support farmers across Tanzania and beyond with seedlings that deliver real value and foster sustainable impact, further solidifying the vital role of AGCOT corridors in driving Tanzania’s agricultural prosperity.