By The Respondents Reporter
Tanzania and Japan have agreed to deepen their cooperation in the mining sector, with a new focus on research and development of critical and strategic minerals that are increasingly vital to the global energy transition and high-tech industries.
The agreement was reached during high-level discussions between the Ministry of Minerals and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Dodoma on Thursday, as the two sides explored new areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s mineral value chain and technical expertise.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Mr Msafiri Mbibo, said the partnership with JICA has delivered tangible results over the years, particularly in building the capacity of Tanzanian mining professionals.
He said more than 30 experts from the mining sector have undergone specialised training in Japan under the Kizuna Project, gaining skills and knowledge that have enhanced the performance of the Ministry and its institutions.
“The partnership has significantly contributed to strengthening human capital in the mining sector. We value this cooperation and look forward to expanding it further in areas that will support the sustainable development of Tanzania’s mineral resources,” Mr Mbibo said.
The latest discussions come at a time when demand for critical minerals is rising globally, driven by the growth of renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing industries.
JICA Tanzania Chief Representative, Dr Katsuyika Kuge, said the agency intends to broaden its support beyond capacity building to include geological research and exploration of minerals considered strategic for future industrial development.
He identified copper, graphite, beryllium and Heavy Rare Earth Elements (Heavy REEs) among the minerals that could form part of the expanded cooperation framework.
According to Dr Kuge, the initial phase of the research programme will prioritise graphite and beryllium, reflecting both Tanzania’s resource potential and Japan’s strategic interests in securing sustainable supplies of critical minerals.
“I commend the Government of Tanzania for the progress it has made in managing and developing the mining sector. Building on the achievements of the Kizuna Project, JICA is ready to expand cooperation in critical and strategic minerals research,” he said.
The Kizuna Project has been one of the key pillars of Tanzania-Japan cooperation in the mining sector, focusing on strengthening technical capacity and knowledge transfer among professionals.
Mining remains one of Tanzania’s fastest-growing economic sectors, contributing significantly to export earnings and industrial development.
The government has identified mineral beneficiation, value addition and increased investment in exploration as among its priorities for accelerating economic growth.
The planned expansion of cooperation with Japan is expected to support these objectives by enhancing research capabilities, improving geological knowledge and positioning Tanzania to benefit from growing global demand for critical minerals.
Industry stakeholders view the initiative as a timely step that could help unlock new investment opportunities while reinforcing Tanzania’s role as an emerging supplier of minerals essential to the world’s green energy transition.
