JTI in Tanzania

Welcome to TCC Plc

Rasilimali ya Tanzania - a story shaped with the nation

For more than six decades, TCC Plc has grown alongside Tanzania.
From our factory in Dar es Salaam to the communities, partners, customers, and adult consumers we serve, our story is part of the country’s progress.
Today, we continue to build on that legacy - creating value, investing in people, operating responsibly, and contributing to a future we can all be proud of.

1961

The year JTI was established in Tanzania

440 +

Number of Employees

16

Branch Offices

7

Brands

Our history – TCC Plc ‘Rasilimali ya Tanzania’

A journey deeply woven into Tanzania’s story.

Since 1961, TCC Plc has been part of Tanzania’s economic and industrial journey. From our early beginnings as East African Tobacco to becoming part of JTI’s international business, our story reflects resilience, transformation, and long-term commitment.

Explore the milestones that shaped who we are today.

1961 – Our factory opens:
Our story began as East African Tobacco, with the factory officially inaugurated by Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere on December 4, 1961 - just four days before Tanzania’s independence.
1967 – Turning a chapter:
A major turning point came in 1967, when the Government of Tanzania acquired a 60% stake from British American Tobacco as part of a nationalization strategy.
1975 – TCC is established:
By 1975, full government ownership was realized, resulting in the establishment of Tanzania Cigarette Company Limited (TCC); a name that would soon become synonymous with quality and excellence.
1995 – Privatization chapter:
A new era of transformation began in 1995 when R.J. Reynolds Tobacco of the United States of America acquired a 51% stake, marking the beginning of TCC’s privatization.
1999 – Becoming part of JTI:
This transition laid the foundation for international integration, culminating in 1999 when Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) acquired all non-US operations of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, including TCC.
2000 – Listed on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange:
In 2000, TCC became a publicly listed company on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange and thus renamed as Tanzania Cigarette Public Limited Company (TCC Plc), further strengthening our position as a corporate leader. JTI later increased its shareholding from 51% to 75%, underscoring its commitment to our long-term success.
Today – Present across Tanzania:
Today, TCC Plc operates across Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar, with branch offices in 16 regions. We continue to focus on quality, responsible growth, and creating value for Tanzania.

Brands that we manage

TCC manufactures, markets and sells the following brands

Camel

A Global iconic brand dating back to 1913 was launched in Tanzania in 2004. Sold in over 100 countries, Camel is the 10th largest brand in the world. Camel is our Global Flagship brand.

Embassy

Embassy is a domestic premium cigarette brand in Tanzania that was launched in 1966. Embassy offers a balanced taste, as it is a high quality cigarette.

Portsman

Formerly Sportsman, is one of the largest mid-price brands in Tanzania. It is considered a national heritage brand.

Launched in 1961, Sweet Menthol (SM) is the leading local mainstream menthol brand in Tanzania.

Winston

Winston is one of the Global Flagship brand that offers value for money and international quality in Tanzania also available in more than 120 countries globally.

Crescent & Star

Crescent & Star Launched in the 1930s. Crescent & Star is a non-filter brand that offers the unique taste of dark fired cured tobaccos.

Nakhla

Founded in Egypt in 1913, Nakhla is one of the world’s pioneering shisha brands. Introduced in Tanzania by TCC Plc, it adds a premium offer to our portfolio for adult consumers.