Tanzania’s A1 Iron & Steel Tanzania Limited has entered into an agreement valued at approximately INR 2 billion with John Cockerill India Limited to establish an integrated steel processing facility at Nala Industrial Park in Dodoma.

The proposed complex will feature advanced processing units, including pickling, acid regeneration, a 6-high cold rolling mill and galvanizing lines. With completion targeted within around 10 months, the project aims to strengthen Tanzania’s domestic manufacturing capabilities and boost the supply of value-added flat steel products across the country and the wider East African region.

As part of the contract announced on 28 August 2026, John Cockerill India Limited will undertake the engineering, manufacturing and delivery of the plant's equipment, along with providing technical supervision during installation, commissioning and final performance evaluations.

The integrated facility will feature four key units: a pickling line to clean hot-rolled steel by eliminating surface impurities, an acid regeneration plant to recover hydrochloric acid for further use, a 6-high cold rolling mill to achieve accurate steel thickness and improved surface finish, and a continuous galvanizing line to manufacture durable, corrosion-resistant coated steel.

Once fully operational, the new facility is expected to strengthen A1 Iron & Steel’s production capabilities and expand the availability of value-added flat steel products across Tanzania and the broader East African region. It will help meet growing requirements from construction, infrastructure, manufacturing and other industrial sectors while improving the regional steel supply network. Beyond boosting industrial output, the investment is anticipated to create employment opportunities, enhance technical expertise and encourage the development of local engineering, maintenance and supplier businesses.

For John Cockerill India, the agreement marks a significant step in expanding its international footprint in steel processing technology, particularly across African markets. The contract, valued at approximately INR 2 billion, is expected to add to the company's international order portfolio. John Cockerill India has also clarified that the deal does not involve any related-party transactions and that it holds no ownership or other interest in A1 Iron & Steel Tanzania.