On March 22, 2025, members of the Workers' Council of the Ministry of Minerals visited the Tanzania Gemological Center (TGC) in Arusha to familiarize themselves with the institution’s operations and its role in the gemstone industry.
The visit aimed to provide the council members with firsthand knowledge of the center’s contributions to gemstone value addition and skill development in Tanzania.
During the visit, the members toured various sections of the center, including training facilities where students learn gemstone cutting, polishing, and jewelry design.
They also inspected the ongoing construction of an eight-story building, which is expected to expand the center’s training capacity and technological capabilities.
Speaking during the visit, the Acting Coordinator of TGC, Ally Maganga, highlighted the center’s progress in advancing gemstone processing and training.
“We have made significant strides in jewelry production, thanks to the acquisition of modern equipment with advanced technology. This has greatly improved our training capacity and the quality of our products,” he said.
Maganga noted that the center currently has 110 students enrolled in long-term training programs and six others undertaking short-term courses.
“The demand for training in gemstone processing is growing, and with the completion of the new building, we will be able to accommodate more students and introduce additional specialized courses,” he added.
The Tanzania Gemological Center is a government institution dedicated to training, research, and innovation in gemstone identification, cutting, and value addition.
It plays a crucial role in equipping Tanzanians with the necessary skills to engage in the gemstone industry and benefit from the country’s rich mineral resources.
During their tour, the council members engaged with students and trainers, gaining insights into the impact of TGC’s training programs.
One of the students, Amina Hassan, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn practical skills in gemstone processing.
“Before joining TGC, I had little knowledge about gemstones. Now, I can cut and polish stones professionally, and I see a bright future in this industry,” she said.
Another student, Joseph Mwakalebela, emphasized the importance of modern equipment in training. “The new technology we are using at TGC has transformed the way we work. We are now able to produce high-quality jewelry that meets international standards,” he stated.
The council members commended the center for its efforts in promoting local beneficiation in the gemstone industry.
“What we have witnessed here today is a step forward in ensuring that Tanzania fully benefits from its mineral wealth. The skills imparted at TGC are crucial in reducing raw gemstone exports and increasing value-added production,” said one of the council members.
The government has been making continuous efforts to strengthen local expertise in mineral processing, and institutions like TGC play a key role in achieving this objective.
The completion of the new facility is expected to further enhance the center’s ability to provide cutting-edge training, positioning Tanzania as a hub for gemstone value addition in the region.
With ongoing investments in infrastructure and capacity building, TGC is poised to contribute significantly to the growth of the gemstone sector.
The visit by the Workers’ Council members reinforced the importance of developing local expertise to maximize the country’s mineral potential and create more opportunities for Tanzanians in the gemstone industry.