By Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania’s minerals sector has reached a historic milestone after surpassing its annual revenue target, collecting TZS 1.063 trillion in non-tax revenue as of June 28, 2025, just one day before the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
The revelation was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Eng. Yahya Samamba, during the closing ceremony of the ministry’s annual staff sports bonanza held in Dodoma, the event which brought together staff from the ministry and its affiliated institutions for a day of recreational activities and team-building.
“This is a landmark achievement. We have collected over TZS 1 trillion without the addition of a single new mining operation. In previous years, we never crossed the TZS 900 billion mark. This year, we have averaged TSh 84 billion per month," said Eng. Samamba.
The sector had been tasked with mobilising TZS 1 trillion for the 2024/25 fiscal year, which was to be deposited into the government’s consolidated fund.
According to him, the performance signals a strong and resilient minerals sector that is playing an increasingly critical role in national revenue generation.
Following the robust performance, the ministry has been given a new target of TZS 1.2 trillion for the 2025/26 financial year. The Permanent Secretary called on all employees to redouble their efforts in support of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of strengthening domestic resource mobilisation to enhance national self-reliance.
“His Excellency the President has consistently emphasised the importance of expanding our domestic revenue base to build a self-reliant Tanzania,” Eng. Samamba said.
He expressed gratitude to all staff and institutions under the ministry including the Mining Commission, Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TEITI), and the Tanzania Gemological Centre (TGC)—for their contribution to the milestone. He stressed that every unit plays a vital role in the ministry’s collective success.
“No matter your station, whether at the Commission, GST, TGC, TEITI, or the ministry itself, you are all integral to this achievement,” he said.
Eng. Samamba also praised the Bank of Tanzania’s move to begin purchasing gold as part of the country’s strategic reserves, describing it as a transformational step in Tanzania’s resource governance.
“This is a major leap from previous times when mineral extraction took place without a corresponding reserve policy,” he said.
He further announced plans to visit all institutions under the ministry to engage directly with staff, listen to their concerns, and work toward practical solutions.
In the same vein, he encouraged employees to participate actively in civic responsibilities, including voting in upcoming elections.
In a bid to enhance staff cohesion and workplace wellness, the Permanent Secretary directed the ministry’s human resources department to organise no fewer than four bonanza events annually, noting that such activities promote unity and morale among public servants.
Also speaking during the event, Mining Commission Chairperson Dr. Janeth Lekashingo underscored the importance of fostering internal communication and building strong professional relationships across departments. She also called on staff to embrace regular physical activity for better health and performance.
Executive Secretary of the Mining Commission, Eng. Ramadhan Lwamo, echoed similar sentiments, saying that physical fitness directly correlates with workplace productivity and encouraged ministry staff to adopt healthy lifestyles.
The sports bonanza featured various games including football, netball, athletics, tug of war, and sack racing. Winners were awarded medals and trophies in a spirited conclusion to the team-building event.