In just 100 days under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s mining sector has undergone a far-reaching transformation, emerging as one of Africa’s most compelling examples of strategic and results-oriented economic reform.
Guided by clear vision, policy consistency and globally aligned execution, the sector has been repositioned as a central pillar of national development and international competitiveness.
The reforms extend well beyond revenue growth. They reflect a deliberate structural shift towards value addition, strengthened governance, enhanced local participation, technological modernisation and a clear ambition to elevate Tanzania’s position within the global minerals value chain.
Revenue Growth and Rising Economic Contribution
Recent performance figures point to a decisive turnaround. Between November 2025 and January 25, 2026, the mining sector collected TZS 311 billion, representing 103 per cent of the targeted revenue for that period.
This achievement reflects improved regulatory oversight, enhanced transparency and increased operational efficiency across mining activities.
Over a longer horizon, government revenue from mining has more than doubled, rising from TZS 526 billion in the 2020/2021 financial year to over TZS 1.071 trillion in FY 2024/2025.
For the ongoing FY 2025/2026, the sector has been assigned an ambitious target of TZS 1.2 trillion, signalling growing confidence in its sustainability and performance.
The sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product has also expanded rapidly, increasing from 10.1 per cent to 12 per cent within the 100-day period.
This places Tanzania among a small group of African economies successfully harnessing mineral wealth to drive inclusive and resilient growth.
Local Content Reforms Put Tanzanians at the Centre
A defining feature of the reforms has been the strengthening of Local Content policies. Amendments to the 2018 Mining Regulations have prioritised Tanzanian participation in employment, procurement and service provision across mining operations.
Employment figures underscore this shift. The number of Tanzanians working in the mining sector rose from 6,668 in 2018 to more than 18,800 by 2024, accounting for over 97 per cent of total mining employment nationwide.
Local procurement has expanded significantly, increasing from 62 per cent in 2018 to 88 per cent by 2024. This has reduced reliance on imports while retaining capital within the domestic economy and stimulating growth in related sectors such as manufacturing, construction, transport, energy and professional services.
Value Addition and Industrialisation Drive
In line with the 2009 Mineral Policy, the government has accelerated investment in mineral processing and value-addition industries, marking a clear departure from the long-standing practice of exporting raw minerals.
Dodoma Region has emerged as a key value-addition hub, hosting nine mineral processing plants and four metallic mineral facilities, including copper and nickel operations.
Through STAMICO, a major salt-processing plant serving Lindi and Mtwara regions has reached 99 per cent completion, ensuring minerals are commercialised at significantly higher value.
These initiatives represent a critical step towards deeper industrialisation, export diversification and improved domestic returns from mineral resources.
Strengthening Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
Artisanal and small-scale mining, which supports more than six million Tanzanians along the minerals value chain, has been strategically positioned as a driver of grassroots economic transformation.
The government has procured 15 modern rock-drilling machines, issued 511 mining licences to small-scale mining groups in Geita and Shinyanga, and facilitated TZS 30 billion in financing through financial institutions.
Plans to deploy large-scale CIP plants capable of processing 120 tonnes per hour, alongside the establishment of a credit guarantee fund, are further enhancing productivity, safety and environmental responsibility.
Mega Projects and Global Market Positioning
A landmark development is Tanzania’s imminent entry into ferro-niobium production through the Songwe-Panda Hill Project in Mbeya Region, with an estimated investment exceeding TZS 1 trillion.
Once operational, the project will position Tanzania among the world’s leading producers of this strategic mineral used in steel manufacturing and advanced technologies.
At the same time, preparations for high-resolution airborne geophysical gold surveys in Nzega and Kahama, undertaken in partnership with Barrick Gold, signal renewed momentum in large-scale exploration following the launch of helicopter-based surveys by the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde.
Gold Reserves, Clean Energy and Economic Resilience
Through the Bank of Tanzania, the acquisition of more than 17 tonnes of gold has placed the country among the top ten African nations by gold reserves, strengthening macroeconomic stability and enhancing international financial credibility.
Complementing these efforts is the production of Rafiki Briquettes, a clean cooking fuel produced from coal through STAMICO.
The initiative supports the clean energy transition, reduces deforestation and aligns mining activities with national environmental sustainability goals.
A Structural Economic Breakthrough
President Samia’s first 100 days have transformed the mining sector into a powerful engine of economic reform, job creation and international confidence.
Tanzania is no longer positioning itself merely as a source of raw minerals, but as a value-driven, technology-enabled and citizen-centred mining economy.
These are not incremental gains. They represent a structural economic breakthrough with lasting benefits for current and future generations, firmly anchoring Tanzania on the global mining and investment map.