Tanzania’s ongoing digital reforms in the mineral sector are paying off, with the gemstone auction system operated through the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) emerging as a strong tool for transparency, fair pricing, and the prevention of mineral smuggling.
At the third gemstone auction held at the Tanzania Gemological Centre (TGC), the Director of Audit and Mineral Trade at the Mining Commission, CPA Venance Kasiki, said the digital platform is reshaping how buyers and sellers interact in the market bringing fairness to a sector that supports thousands of livelihoods.
Kasiki explained that the TMX system allows traders to view real-time bidding and price movements, a shift from the old envelope-based system that offered limited transparency.
“This system strengthens openness and competition, and ultimately increases government revenue,” he said, noting that the new approach ensures both the government and citizens benefit from Tanzania’s mineral resources.
He added that the digital reforms have boosted confidence among traders, leading to higher participation in auctions and providing sellers with fair market prices.
At the same time, the improved transparency is helping curb illegal mineral trading, with 44 mineral markets and 117 buying centres now operating across the country to support regulated trade.
TMX Senior Trade Officer Nicolaus Kaserwa said the platform ensures equal opportunity for all bidders, helping to build trust across the value chain.
“The entire auction is visible from start to finish, which strengthens confidence among market participants,” he said.
For traders, the system is also making business easier. The Vice Chairperson of the Arusha Mineral Market, Akwiline Lissu, encouraged more dealers to adopt the platform, saying it reduces unnecessary follow-ups and long travel in search of buyers or sellers.
She thanked the Ministry of Minerals and the Mining Commission for driving reforms that make the gemstone trade more modern, secure, and beneficial to communities.
“These changes are not only safeguarding national resources but also helping ordinary traders grow,” she said.