Why this German invested in Tanzania’s first commercial apple farm
German-born entrepreneur David Runge spotted an opportunity in apple farming in East Africa.
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Interview with David Runge
PARTNER, TAMU TAMU TANZANIA
Lives in: Tanzania
While fruits like pineapples, bananas, and mangoes thrive in Africa’s equatorial region, apples typically do not, as they favour cooler climates. However, German-born entrepreneur David Runge spotted an opportunity in apple farming in East Africa. He invested in Tamu Tamu Tanzania, which claims to be the region’s first commercial apple farm and apple tree nursery, located 540km west of Dar es Salaam. The company has conducted extensive research and development to identify and cultivate apple varieties that can thrive in the equatorial climate.
Jaco Maritz spoke with Runge about his commercial endeavours across Africa, his entry into the apple farming industry, and his ambitions to expand the production of apple juice, cider, and other apple-based products in Tanzania and beyond.
Topics discussed during the interview include:
Runge’s early business ventures across Africa
His experience working for a Nigerian catfish company
The startup ideas that failed to take off in Tanzania
The opportunity he identified in Tanzania’s apple farming industry
How the partners financed their apple farming business
Expanding into the production and sale of apple juice and cider
Why agriculture is not for the faint-hearted
Watch the full interview below:
