Geologists from across Africa are meeting in Dar es Salaam as part of the PanAfGeo (Pan-African Support to Geological Sciences and Technology) initiative to explore new strategies for advancing geological research and capacity development in light of emerging sectoral challenges.
The two-day forum, which began on June 24, 2025, at the Ramada Hotel in Mbezi Beach, brings together key experts and stakeholders in geological sciences to deliberate on strengthening collaboration, improving digital competencies, and addressing the rapidly evolving needs of the mining and research sectors.
Launched in 2016, PanAfGeo is a strategic partnership between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), with primary funding from the European Commission.
The initiative has played a critical role in building the technical expertise of geologists across the continent, including in Tanzania.
Opening the forum, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Mr. Msafiri Mbibo, underscored the government's commitment to leveraging regional and international partnerships to boost the capacity of professionals in the mining and research fields.
"This forum has brought together diverse actors in geological research to share knowledge and develop a common approach to capacity building," said Mr. Mbibo.
"Tanzania has benefited immensely from this programme, particularly in upgrading the skills of our public sector geologists."he added
He added that enhanced geological knowledge was vital for the sustainable development of Tanzania’s mining sector, which continues to be a key pillar of the national economy.
“The mining sector is no longer just about resource extraction it’s about science, innovation, and driving economic transformation. Through partnerships like PanAfGeo, we can accelerate progress and increase our contribution to national development,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Rokhaya Samba, President of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS), stressed the urgency of adopting digital tools and modern research equipment in response to rapid technological change.
“In this digital age, the way we conduct geological surveys must evolve. We need to invest in advanced tools and technologies to make research more precise, efficient, and impactful,” she said.
The PanAfGeo meeting is expected to produce practical recommendations to inform policy, research planning, and regional cooperation.
Discussions will continue on June 25, 2025, with sessions focused on innovation, training, and sustainability within the geological research ecosystem.