By Charles Mkoka
– Tanzania is strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of its mining, oil and natural gas resources through the Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TEITI), officials said on Monday.
TEITI Executive Secretary Mariam Mgaya said the country is among 57 nations globally implementing transparency standards under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an international framework that promotes disclosure of revenues and governance in the extractive sector.
Speaking during a televised interview on Azam TV, Mgaya said Tanzania joined the EITI in 2009 and has since committed to publishing data covering exploration, production, and government revenues from extractive activities.
She said TEITI operates under the Extractive Industries Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015, which mandates disclosure of payments made by mining, oil, and gas companies and revenues received by the government.
According to Mgaya, TEITI has published 15 reconciliation reports covering the period from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2023, comparing company payments with government receipts in line with international transparency standards.
TEITI Director of Transparency and Accountability Erick Ketagory said the institution continues to raise public awareness to ensure citizens understand and use extractive sector data to engage authorities and monitor resource governance.
Ketagory said the government, through the Ministry of Minerals, has designated 20 services within mining operations exclusively for 100% Tanzanian-owned companies, urging local firms to take advantage of the opportunities to increase domestic participation in the sector.
He added that TEITI also works to ensure extractive companies comply with disclosure requirements while supporting public debate on the economic and social benefits of resource extraction.
Mgaya said the government’s continued policy and financial support have enabled TEITI to carry out its mandate, adding that transparency remains key to ensuring Tanzania’s natural resources contribute to sustainable development