Israeli agricultural non-profit CultivAid helps support Tanzania’s growing wine industry

Israeli non-profit CultivAid is partnering with Tanzanian grape growers and young professionals near Dodoma to modernize viticulture and winemaking through hands-on training. The collaboration aims to improve yields, grape quality, and sustainability. Tanzania's wine industry dates to the 1960s, and CultivAid has established a research farm, launched a course for 60 participants, and set up a nursery. CEO Tomer Malchi said production grew from 4-5 million liters to 20 million liters annually since the project began.

Israeli non-profit CultivAid is working with Tanzanian grape growers and young agricultural professionals near Dodoma, Tanzania's wine capital, to modernize grape cultivation and winemaking through hands-on training. The collaboration uses Israeli techniques to improve yields, grape quality, and long-term sustainability. Tanzania's commercial wine industry dates back to the early 1960s, when Catholic missionaries introduced modern viticulture around Dodoma. Today, Dodoma accounts for the vast majority of the country's vineyards, but much of the industry still relies on traditional practices. CultivAid has established a six-acre farm in Dodoma for research and experiments, launched a vineyard management course for 60 local participants, and set up a vineyard nursery. Dr. Tomer Malchi, co-founder and CEO of CultivAid, said the vineyards could potentially double their crop output. He noted that when the organization began, the local wine industry produced between 4 to 5 million liters a year, and now it is at 20 million liters. Tanzanian viticulturist Jacob Timothy Mwavika said the training provided practical experience and mentorship that was previously missing. He highlighted Tanzania's potential as East Africa's only commercial wine producer, with opportunities in tourism and regional exports. The initiative comes as Tanzania's wine sector remains relatively small but shows considerable potential for growth.