Illovo Sugar, Africa's biggest producer of sugar, is planning to spend about R6 billion over the next five years to boost sugar production in Africa.

Current production levels are at about 1.7 million tonnes per year and Illovo plans to increase that to between 2.5 million tonnes and 2.7 million tonnes.

Managing Director, Graham Clark, said on Friday that Illovo had set a target of a minimum 20% return on its investments in order to achieve its expansion.

The recent expansion drive started in Zambia, where Illovo negotiated secure investment conditions with the government before starting the project.

Reported by Business Day