The Chairperson of the Mining Commission, Dr Janet R. Lekashingo, has called for stronger and more innovative revenue strategies to ensure the Commission surpasses its TZS1.2 trillion collection target for the 2025/2026 financial year, as Tanzania seeks to deepen the mining sector’s contribution to national economic growth.
Dr Lekashingo made the remarks while chairing a high-level Commission meeting in Dodoma that reviewed the institution’s performance over the past three months and outlined priorities for strengthening sector governance, mineral trade oversight, and revenue mobilisation.
The meeting brought together Commissioners and senior management to assess progress in regulating mining operations, improving mineral trading systems, expanding mineral markets, and curbing smuggling key areas viewed as critical to increasing the sector’s share in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Presenting a performance report, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Eng. Ramadhani Lwamo, highlighted gains in revenue collection, the expansion and improved management of mineral markets and buying centres, enhanced safety standards in mining operations, and increased participation of Tanzanians in the sector.
Dr Lekashingo commended these achievements, noting that stronger regulatory enforcement and improved market systems have helped formalise mineral trade and enhance transparency.
She also praised mining companies for their growing role in supporting community development initiatives in areas surrounding mining projects.
However, she urged management to accelerate reforms and adopt more aggressive revenue-enhancing measures, arguing that exceeding the current revenue target would demonstrate the sector’s rising strategic importance in funding national development.
“The mining sector has the potential to generate far greater returns for the country if we continue strengthening oversight, expanding markets, and addressing systemic leakages,” she said, according to officials familiar with the meeting.
The Commission also examined persistent challenges affecting the sector, including miner safety, operational compliance, revenue leakages, and limited local participation in high-value segments of the mining value chain.
To address these, specialised committees on technical affairs, human resources, finance, and local content were tasked with refining targeted implementation strategies.
Officials said a key focus going forward will be creating a more enabling and secure environment for small- and medium-scale miners, promoting value addition, and ensuring that Tanzanians capture greater benefits from the country’s mineral wealth.
The renewed push underscores the government’s broader drive to position mining as a central pillar of Tanzania’s economy, not only as a source of public revenue but also as a driver of jobs, industrial development, and community transformation.