The ongoing Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba) has become a strategic platform for showcasing Tanzania's mineral wealth, with industry stakeholders saying government reforms have strengthened investor confidence and opened new opportunities across the mining value chain.
Mining traders have commended the government for improving governance in the sector through greater transparency, enforcement of mining laws and the promotion of formal trading systems, saying the reforms have enhanced the business environment while increasing the sector's contribution to the economy.
Leading Tanzanite trader Taikoo Kulunju Oletipa made the remarks after visiting the Mining Commission's pavilion at the annual trade fair in Dar es Salaam.
He said continued reforms implemented through the Mining Commission have created a more predictable investment climate, attracting both domestic and foreign investors while improving efficiency in mineral trading.
"The government has continued to engage stakeholders and listen to their views. This consultative approach has resulted in reforms that are supporting the sustainable growth of Tanzania's mining industry," Oletipa said.
He added that the exhibition has provided an important opportunity for investors, traders and the public to gain a better understanding of Tanzania's diverse mineral resources and the investment opportunities available beyond the country's globally renowned Tanzanite deposits.
Although he has spent many years trading Tanzanite and gold, Oletipa said the exhibition exposed him to the country's broader mineral potential, including iron ore from Liganga and lithium, both of which are attracting growing investor interest.
"I have been in the Tanzanite and gold business for many years, but this exhibition has enabled me to appreciate the country's wider mineral endowment. Tanzania has enormous mineral wealth that should continue to be promoted and developed for the benefit of its people," he said.
The Director of Information at the Tanzania Mineral Traders Association (CHAMATA), Mokia Ole Mrefu, said the government's move to open new gemstone mining opportunities in Manyara Region demonstrates its commitment to expanding the mining industry and diversifying investment opportunities.
He noted that an area historically associated with Tanzanite production is now emerging as a hub for other gemstones, broadening the country's mineral portfolio and creating fresh opportunities for investors and traders.
"Tanzania is richly endowed with mineral resources, and this exhibition has clearly demonstrated the breadth of opportunities available from exploration and mining to mineral trading, value addition and investment in downstream industries. These opportunities are critical to accelerating economic growth," he said.
The Mining Commission's participation at the Sabasaba exhibition has attracted significant interest from visitors seeking information on investment opportunities, mineral exploration and government initiatives aimed at increasing value addition and ensuring the sustainable development of Tanzania's mining sector.
Mining remains one of Tanzania's fastest-growing economic sectors, with the government seeking to increase its contribution to the national economy by promoting investment, strengthening regulatory oversight and encouraging local participation across the mineral value chain.
