The government has intensified efforts to reform Tanzania’s gemstone trade following a strategic meeting between the Minister for Minerals, Anthony P. Mavunde, and brokers under the Tanzania Brokers Association (CHAMATA).
The meeting, held on April 21, 2026, at the Mining Commission headquarters in Dodoma, focused on addressing operational bottlenecks in the sector while unlocking new opportunities to enhance its contribution to the national economy.
At the centre of the discussions were concerns over brokerage licensing, transparency in mineral transactions and the need to formalise trading systems, particularly in high-value gemstones such as Tanzanite.
Mr Mavunde underscored the urgency of strengthening regulatory compliance and adopting structured trading mechanisms to improve efficiency and maximise returns from the sector.
He directed the Mining Commission to expedite implementation of key administrative reforms that do not require legislative changes.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in shaping policies that support sustainable growth, noting that industry feedback remains critical in improving the business environment.
In a move aimed at diversifying gemstone production, Mr Mavunde said the government is preparing to conduct a detailed geological survey in Lemshuku area in Manyara Region.
The initiative is expected to open up new mining frontiers and reduce overreliance on Tanzanite by promoting other viable gemstones.
For their part, CHAMATA representatives, led by chairman Jeremia Kituyo, proposed the establishment of a centralised gemstone trading hub operating under an auction system.
The model would integrate local and international buyers, improve price discovery and ensure a level playing field for brokers.
The proposed reforms come at a time when Tanzania is seeking to position itself as a competitive and transparent hub for mineral trade in the region, with a clear focus on increasing revenue, attracting investment and strengthening governance across the value chain.
