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SOSUMO Sugar Factory
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SOSUMO (Société Sucrière du Moso) is the sole sugar refinery in Burundi, located in the Rutana Province in the southeastern part of the country. Established in 1982 and operational since 1988, the company was created to mitigate the nation's reliance on imported sugar. The factory is situated in the Moso plain, where the hot climate and fertile riverine soils provide good conditions for large-scale sugarcane cultivation. As a state-controlled enterprise, SOSUMO employs thousands of people directly and indirectly, serving as a primary engine for regional development in a relatively remote part of the country. Beyond sugar production, the plant produces molasses as a byproduct, which is vital for various local industrial applications. In recent years, there have been concerted efforts to modernize the facility and expand the plantation areas to meet rising domestic demand. SOSUMO remains a strategically indispensable component of Burundi's agro-industrial sector.
- Location: Burundi
- Nearby: Rutana (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 178 | 137 | 169 | 150 | 59 | 9 | 6 | 13 | 26 | 76 | 209 | 177 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The SOSUMO sugar factory in eastern Burundi processes sugarcane from the region and is the backbone of Burundi's sugar industry. It connects rural cane fields with industrial production and creates jobs.
Visiting
The factory is an industrial complex and usually not open to tourists. From the road between Moso and Kayogoro, one can see the facilities and sugarcane transports.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the hill range south of Kayogoro, offering a broad view over the sugarcane plantations and the factory. The elevation on RN18 also provides a good perspective.
Local products
The main product is sugar, sold in Burundi and neighboring countries. By-products include molasses and bagasse. At local markets, one can often buy raw sugar and fresh sugarcane stalks.
Active season
Sugarcane harvesting and processing mainly occur between June and December, the dry season in eastern Burundi. The factory is most active during these months.
Nearby
A visit to the sugar factory can be combined with a trip to Ruvubu National Park or the Ruvuvu waterfalls. MoSo town with its market is also worth a stop.
Geography
Facts
- Founded on May 25, 1982, by government decree.
- Located in the Giharo commune within Rutana Province.
- Sugarcane plantations cover several thousand hectares of the Moso plain.
- SOSUMO supplies approximately 60 to 70% of Burundi's sugar needs.
- The factory operates its own power plant using bagasse for energy production.
- The company is the most significant employer in southeastern Burundi.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town SOSUMO Sugar Factory (1)
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Frequently asked questions
What does SOSUMO produce?
SOSUMO is the state sugar company of Burundi.
Where is the factory?
The factory is located in Gihofi, in the southeast of the country.
Can you see the fields?
Yes, vast sugarcane fields characterize the landscape around the factory.
When is the harvest season?
Harvesting usually takes place during the dry season from June to October.
Is the area visitable?
The surrounding area is freely accessible; the factory grounds only with a permit.
SOSUMO Sugar Factory: where is it located?
SOSUMO Sugar Factory is located in Burundi.
SOSUMO Sugar Factory: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
SOSUMO Sugar Factory: why is it worth visiting?
SOSUMO (Société Sucrière du Moso) is the sole sugar refinery in Burundi, located in the Rutana Province in the southeastern part of the country.
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