Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has hailed Tanzania’s mining sector for its historic achievements in boosting government revenue and setting a new standard for Africa.
Speaking during a visit to inspect the Ministry of Minerals’ new building at the Government City in Mtumba, Dodoma, Dr. Mwigulu said the sector’s success stems from major policy, legal, and operational reforms.
These have made the sector inclusive, allowing Tanzanians especially youth, women, and persons with special needs to fully participate in the mining value chain.
“Previously, Tanzanians were not fully involved in mining, and the benefits of these resources reached the public only minimally. Today, thanks to government reforms, the mining sector is a key driver of national economic growth,” he said.
Dr. Mwigulu noted that Tanzania has become a model for other African countries, which are visiting to learn best practices in supporting small-scale miners through technical training, modern technology, and affordable financing.
He said these initiatives have expanded small-scale mining’s contribution to national income, creating jobs and increasing citizens’ earnings.
The Prime Minister urged the Ministry of Minerals to accelerate detailed mineral exploration, raising coverage from the current 16 percent, stressing that accurate resource data is essential to attract strategic investment.
On mining disputes, he directed the Mining Commission to act promptly to prevent and resolve conflicts, especially those involving small-scale miners who often discover key mineral deposits.
He emphasized that small-scale miners should be prioritized in license allocation to safeguard their rights and boost productivity.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, William Lukuvi, praised the Mtumba Government City Project, reporting that 24 of 29 buildings are complete and staff have already moved in, with overall progress exceeding 90 percent.
Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde thanked the Government for the new six-story Ministry building, which officially opened on May 25, 2025, and currently accommodates 160 staff out of its 360 capacity, improving efficiency in service delivery.
The mining sector has consistently surpassed revenue targets for six consecutive years, with collections rising from TZS 161 billion in 2015/16 to TZS 1.071 trillion in 2024/25.
Between July 2025 and January 22, 2026, the Government has collected TZS 719 billion, nearly 60 percent of the TZS 1.2 trillion target for the current financial year.