AGCOT is Tanzania’s bold leap toward agricultural prosperity. Launched on April 27, 2025, by Prime Minister Hon. Kassim Majaliwa, AGCOT builds on the success of the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT). On the following day, April 28, Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan visited the AGCOT Pavilion, where she was formally briefed by the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe, and AGCOT CEO, Mr. Geoffrey Kirenga. The briefing reaffirmed her landmark directive of March 17, 2023, which called for the nationwide replication of the SAGCOT success model to transform Tanzania’s agricultural future
From SAGCOT to AGCOT: A Decade of Impact and a Vision for the Future
The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania Initiative (SAGCOT) was established as a public-private partnership spanning from 2010 to 2030. Rooted in the Kilimo Kwanza (Agriculture First) Vision presented by H.E. President Jakaya Kikwete in 2011, SAGCOT has significantly contributed to the transformation of agriculture in the Southern Highlands, accounting for over 65 percent of Tanzania’s food production to date.
The SAGCOT Centre was established to coordinate the efforts of the government, businesses, development partners, civil society organizations, and the farming community, successfully mobilizing resources and aligning efforts towards agricultural transformation. Having achieved many of its key 2030 objectives ahead of schedule, SAGCOT was called upon to broaden its scope.
Responding to widespread demand from stakeholders in other agricultural regions, H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed SAGCOT on March 17, 2023, to expand its efforts nationwide. This directive led to the evolution of SAGCOT into the Agricultural Growth Corridors of Tanzania (AGCOT).
AGCOT: Our Vision and Commitment
Remaining faithful to SAGCOT’s core values, AGCOT will continue to champion investments to bolster food security and nutrition while ensuring the inclusion and transformation of smallholder farmers from subsistence to viable agribusinesses. Simultaneously, AGCOT is committed to ensuring that agricultural development is implemented in a sustainable way . Simply put, AGCOT strives to be a flagbearer of Tanzania’s drive to transform and modernize its food systems.
AGCOT Centre Mission, Vision, and Theory of Change
Vision and Mission
ACL’s vision revolves around revolutionizing Tanzania’s food systems, envisioning a future where agro-industries embrace inclusivity and sustainability. SCL continues to aspire to create a dynamic agricultural ecosystem where small- and medium-scale farmers are empowered participants who are integral to the sector’s success and resilience. By championing environmentally sustainable practices, SCL aims to pave the way for a thriving agricultural landscape that benefits both present and future generations.
At the core of ACL is a steadfast mission: To be the primary facilitator and catalyst, nurturing strategic partnerships to incubate inclusive, sustainable, and commercially viable agricultural value chains across agricultural corridors in Tanzania. This mission involves facilitating partnerships that actively contribute to agricultural value chains, emphasizing inclusivity, sustainability, and commercial viability.
A commitment to honesty, integrity, and collaboration lies at the core of ACL’s mission. The Center will continue to strive to serve as impartial facilitators, fostering robust relationships among key stakeholders within Tanzania’s agriculture sector. Through open dialogue and transparent engagement, it will seek to bridge the gap between government agencies, agro-industries, SMEs, small and medium-scale farmers, and other stakeholders. SCL’s goal remains to catalyze growth and transformation within agriculture value chains, driving innovation, empowerment, and sustainable development across Tanzania.
ACL’s values reflect its people and activities, deeply connected within the active AGCOT corridor and value chains. With strong ties to the public sector, agro-industries, and SMEs, including farmers, SCL adeptly identifies and addresses emerging challenges. Remaining neutral in its roles, SCL’s trustworthiness allows it to convene diverse parties effectively. Anticipating issues strategically, SCL pursues systemic reforms and engages proactively to find efficient solutions. As an advocate, SCL amplifies stakeholders’ voices, persistently pressing to address unresolved issues.
Theory of Change
ACL’s theory of change is encapsulated in a framework that illustrates the progression from its pillar activities and outputs to medium- and long-term outcomes, aligning with its overarching vision and mission.
ACL Theory of Change
Expanding the Corridor Approach
AGCOT will adopt a similar approach to SAGCOT, tailored to the specific agricultural ecological zones, also known as clusters, within the Mtwara, Central, and Northern Corridors. The design and implementation of AGCOT will be guided by investment blueprints for each corridor, which will identify stakeholders, business and investment opportunities, and key clusters. In adopting AGCOT, the Southern Agriculture Growth Corridor of Tanzania, now known as the SAGCOT Corridor, will not be disregarded but will maintain its role as a significant region, while AGCOT deepens its impact through expanded efforts and influence.
Building on Proven Strategies
AGCOT will continue to advocate for closer collaboration among all stakeholders in the crops, livestock, fisheries, and other allied sectors critical to agricultural transformation, such as energy, infrastructure, and communications. Special emphasis will be placed on upscaling the SAGCOT approach, which is built around cluster compacts, commodity compacts, and the Mkulima kwa Mkulima Initiatives among many other innovations.
Aligning with National Development Goals
The implementation of SAGCOT was an integral part of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025 and was born out of the Kilimo Kwanza Initiative. AGCOT continues to align with the newly developed Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and the New Agriculture Master Plan, marking a new epoch in Tanzania’s agricultural transformation.
The AGCOT Centre: Driving the Transformation
As a result of these developments, the SAGCOT Centre has changed its name to AGCOT Centre . The AGCOT Centre will continue to work toward a better and improved policy environment for agricultural transformation in Tanzania . A good business environment is key to ensuring access to knowledge that contributes to an efficient, well-functioning, and sustainable agricultural value chain.
A Bold Step Towards a Brighter Future
At AGCOT, we believe in doing things differently to make a real difference. This is about unusual business—a bold step toward a brighter future for Tanzania’s agriculture and its people .
We invite you to explore the opportunities within Tanzania’s agricultural growth corridors and join us in this transformative journey.