Tanzania’s mining sector continued to demonstrate strong performance, contributing 12.7 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between July and September 2025, reflecting its growing importance in the national economy.
The figures were revealed on March 24, 2026 by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Eng. Yahya Samamba, while opening the Second Workers’ Council meeting for the 2025/2026 financial year held in Dodoma.
Samamba said the sector’s contribution indicates the positive direction the industry is taking as the government continues to strengthen the management and supervision of mineral resources.
He noted that alongside the increase in its contribution to GDP, the mining sector has also recorded significant growth in mineral exports.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the value of mineral exports in 2025 reached TZS 10.3 trillion, underlining the sector’s growing role in generating foreign exchange and supporting the country’s economic stability.
Samamba attributed the achievement to a series of reforms introduced by the government to improve the management of the mining sector and ensure that the country benefits more from its natural resources.
These reforms include the establishment and strengthening of mineral trading markets across the country, which have helped miners sell their minerals through formal and transparent systems.
The markets have also helped improve price transparency, increase government revenue and reduce illegal mineral trade.
He further noted that the government has continued to implement strong measures to curb the smuggling of minerals, which previously caused significant revenue losses.
Through improved monitoring and regulatory mechanisms, authorities have managed to close loopholes that allowed illegal mineral trade.
“These achievements are the result of the government’s efforts to strengthen the management of mineral resources so that the sector contributes more effectively to national development,” Samamba said.
During the meeting, stakeholders also discussed issues related to workers’ welfare and the importance of maintaining a positive working environment within government institutions.
Speaking at the meeting, the representative of the Dodoma Regional Labour Office, Eunice Mmary, commended the ministry for its efforts to uphold labour rights and improve workplace relations.
She said the Office of the Labour Commissioner values its cooperation with the ministry and appreciates the steps taken to ensure employees’ welfare is protected.
“The Ministry of Minerals has continued to demonstrate commitment in respecting labour laws and promoting the well-being of its staff,” she said.
Meanwhile, the national representative of the Tanzania Union of Government and Health Employees, Happiness Kitarima, praised the ministry for being among institutions that actively implement the union’s principles of protecting workers’ interests and strengthening cooperation between employees and management.
Kitarima noted that strong workplace relations are essential for improving productivity and achieving institutional objectives.
The latest statistics indicate that the mining sector continues to strengthen its position as one of Tanzania’s key economic drivers.
With export earnings exceeding TZS 10.3 trillion and an increasing contribution to GDP, the sector remains central to the country’s broader agenda of industrial development, investment promotion and sustainable economic growth.
