KEDA Industrial Group, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Foshan, China, is a diversified industrial manufacturer. It was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2002 and has grown into a multinational company with more than 100 subsidiaries and over 30 research and production bases worldwide.
Its businesses span ceramic machinery, building materials, architectural glass, and new-energy ventures. In Africa, KEDA is well known for its ceramics and is now expanding into glass production as part of its broader building materials portfolio.
KEDA Glass / Architectural Glass in Tanzania
KEDA’s move into glass manufacturing in Tanzania is a significant expansion. Key highlights include:
Investment: Around USD 87 million committed to establish the glass plant.
Location: Msufini, Kidete Village, Mkuranga District, Pwani Region, under the Tanzanian subsidiary KEDA (T) Ceramics Co. Ltd.
Production capacity: Designed to produce approximately 600 tons of architectural glass per day.
Operational start: The factory began operations in September 2024.
Market share: About 20% of the output is intended for domestic use in Tanzania, with the majority earmarked for export to neighboring countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia.
Strategic role: The factory complements KEDA’s ceramics operations in Africa, positioning the company as a broader supplier of building materials.
Other KEDA Glass Projects
KEDA is also developing glass production facilities in other regions, such as Peru, where it is building an architectural glass plant with a similar daily capacity of 600 tons. This global expansion reflects the company’s ambition to become a leading player in the architectural glass sector alongside its ceramics strength.
Strengths, Challenges & Strategic Implications
Strengths / Opportunities
Local production: Reduces reliance on imported glass, lowering costs and improving accessibility for the region.
Export potential: High production capacity enables supply to regional markets, enhancing trade opportunities.
Portfolio synergy: Glass complements KEDA’s existing ceramics and building materials businesses.
Challenges / Risks
Ramp-up phase: New factories often need time to achieve stable, full-scale production and consistent quality.
Competitive pressures: Imported glass, particularly from Asia, may offer lower prices in some markets.
Infrastructure needs: Reliable energy, raw materials, and water are essential, but may be challenging in certain African contexts.
Environmental standards: Glass production is energy-intensive and must meet environmental compliance requirements.