Tanzania has stepped up efforts to position itself as one of Africa's leading mining investment destinations, with the government inviting investors to expand beyond mineral extraction into exploration, processing and value addition.
Speaking at a mining conference held alongside the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) on Wednesday, Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa said reforms undertaken under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration had strengthened the country's attractiveness to investors by improving the policy, legal and regulatory framework governing the sector.
He said the reforms have enhanced transparency, accountability and private sector participation, resulting in increased investment, employment opportunities and a stronger contribution of mining to Tanzania's economic growth.
"Tanzania is not only inviting investors to extract minerals. We are also encouraging investment in geological exploration, mineral processing technologies, value addition and industries that use minerals as raw materials," Dr Kiruswa said.
He noted that Tanzania possesses significant deposits of gold, diamonds, tanzanite, nickel, graphite, niobium, rare earth elements and a range of industrial and construction minerals, providing substantial opportunities for investors across the mining value chain.
According to him, the National Development Vision 2050 places greater emphasis on expanding geological exploration using modern technologies to unlock new mineral deposits and attract fresh investment.
The government is also strengthening local participation in the industry through revised local content regulations, which encourage mining companies to source goods and services from Tanzanian businesses.
Dr Kiruswa said the Mining for Brighter Tomorrow (MBT) programme is helping young people, women and people with disabilities access employment and business opportunities created by the sector.
He urged investors and industry stakeholders to participate in the International Mining Conference, scheduled for November 19 to 21 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, saying the event would further showcase Tanzania's investment opportunities.
Speaking during the conference, Mining Commission Director of Inspection and Mineral Trade CPA Venance Kasiki said the Commission continues to strengthen the administration of mineral exploration, mining, processing and trading licences under the Mining Act to ensure the country's mineral resources generate wider economic benefits.
He said licence applications are processed through an electronic system and assessed against legal and technical requirements, while licence holders are expected to comply with approved mining plans, environmental standards, local employment obligations and community development commitments.
Mr Kasiki said effective implementation of local content regulations has created opportunities for Tanzanian businesses in sectors including transport, construction, technology, security, catering and financial services.
He added that stronger regulation of mineral licences and local content requirements is expected to increase government revenue, encourage investment in mineral processing industries and ensure Tanzanians capture a greater share of benefits from the country's natural resources.
Earlier, Geita Regional Administrative Secretary Mohamed Jumanne said mining has become a significant source of employment for young people while supporting economic activity in regions where mining operations are concentrated.
He said continued cooperation between government agencies and investors would help ensure mining activities are conducted responsibly and contribute to sustainable economic development.
