The final stage of construction is underway for a cutting-edge float glass manufacturing factory located in Mkiu Village, Mkuranga District, Coast Region. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in the region's industrial landscape and is poised to revolutionize the glass manufacturing sector in the country. Equipped with advanced technology, the factory is expected to strengthen the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the growth of the Coast Region. The project's construction began last year, and production at the factory is scheduled to commence in September of this year, promising substantial benefits to various sectors. During a recent visit to the project site, Dr. Tausi Kida, the Permanent Secretary in the President's Office-Investment, commended the remarkable progress made. She emphasized that upon completion, this establishment will stand as the largest float glass factory in East and Central Africa, ushering in a transformative era in glass production and significant economic prosperity for the nation. With more than 80 percent of raw materials sourced locally, the factory's operations will stimulate the domestic market, foster economic growth, and promote self-sufficiency. Owned by Chinese investor Jack Feng, the Sapphire Float Glass (Tanzania) Company Limited, responsible for the project, brings several economic benefits, including reducing Tanzania's import bill for glass products, generating foreign exchange profits, and expanding exports to neighboring countries. Once completed, the factory will have the capacity to produce 700 tonnes of float glass, toughened glass, and mirror per day on the first production line, and 500 tonnes per day on the second line. This production capacity not only meets but exceeds the demand for glass in Tanzania and other neighboring countries in East Africa, which are part of the same EAC Customs Union. The company assures the government that at this capacity, glass will be readily available domestically, reducing reliance on imported glass products. As part of their proposal, the company has requested an increase in import duty rates from the current 10 and 25 percent to 35 percent. This change aims to protect local glass manufacturers and other glass product manufacturers (including glass mirrors) against cheap, substandard, and undervalued imports. The project is expected to create over 1,655 direct jobs and 6,000 indirect jobs once operations commence. Furthermore, the factory will attract an annual export revenue of 75 million US dollars, with 70 to 80 percent of the products being exported. Float glass, a sheet of glass produced by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal like tin, ensures uniform thickness and very flat surfaces. The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) estimates that this project will attract more than 311 million US dollars (over 700 billion Tanzanian shillings) in foreign direct investment. The company's future plans include expanding its business by introducing a diverse range of glass-related products in Tanzania, such as glass bottles, cups, car glass, and other relevant glass products.