Tanzania has taken a bold step toward harnessing its uranium reserves for economic transformation following the launch of the country’s first-ever Pilot Uranium Processing Plant in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan officiated the inauguration of the facility on Tuesday, positioning the US$1.2 billion project owned by Mantra Tanzania Limited as a key strategic investment aligned with the country’s long-term development vision.
“This project is part of our broader agenda to build a modern economy anchored in knowledge, technology, and optimal use of domestic resources,” said President Samia during the launch ceremony.
She stressed that the uranium project must deliver direct benefits to Tanzanians, especially communities living near the site.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that local people gain employment and that the revenues from this investment improve access to social services,” she said.
Tanzania holds an estimated 60,000 tonnes of uranium in the Mkuju River area alone, making it one of Africa’s leading reserves.
The president said the pilot plant marks the beginning of a larger ambition to position Tanzania among the world’s top ten suppliers of critical minerals used in clean nuclear energy production.
“Uranium is a strategic resource. If well-managed, it can generate quality jobs, increase government revenue, and significantly boost the national economy,” she noted.
According to President Samia, the project is expected to create over 8,700 direct and indirect jobs, while the government anticipates collecting around US$1 billion in taxes, royalties, and dividends through its 20 percent equity stake in the venture.
“This facility is not just an industrial milestone it’s a statement of intent. It proves that Tanzania is ready to play a bigger role in the global clean energy supply chain,” she said.
She directed Mantra Tanzania Limited to prioritize community engagement, transparency, and corporate social responsibility, while urging government institutions and environmental regulators to enforce strict adherence to international sustainability and safety standards.
President Samia further indicated that Tanzania is keen to draw lessons from countries such as Namibia, which has a long history in uranium mining, to ensure environmental protection and long-term project viability.
The uranium pilot plant is expected to pave the way for full-scale extraction and processing, contributing to Tanzania’s aspiration of becoming an industrialized and energy-secure economy by 2050.