Tanzanite has emerged as one of the main attractions at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), drawing large crowds to the Mining Commission pavilion as citizens seek to understand the rare gemstone and explore opportunities in the mining sector.
The exhibition, held under the theme “Fahari ya Tanzania,” began on June 28, 2026, and is scheduled to end on July 13, 2026.
It also marks 50 years since the establishment of the national trade fair, which has grown into a key platform for business networking, investment promotion, and public education.
Throughout the event, visitors have continued to gather at the Tanzanite display section, where they are introduced to the gemstone’s characteristics, origin, and economic value.
The strong interest reflects growing public curiosity about mineral resources and their potential contribution to personal and national development.
Many visitors said the exhibition has helped them gain practical knowledge about minerals they previously only knew through stories or limited information.
They noted that seeing Tanzanite and other minerals physically has made the sector more understandable and attractive.
Some visitors also expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in mining after learning about the value chain, including exploration, trading, and value addition.
They said more public awareness is needed to enable ordinary citizens to participate meaningfully in the sector.
Mining experts at the pavilion said the fair has become an important platform for educating the public on mineral resources and their economic uses.
They explained that Tanzanite is evaluated based on key quality factors, including colour, clarity, weight, and cut, which determine its market value.
They further noted that Tanzanite is found exclusively in Tanzania, specifically in the Mirerani area in Simanjiro District, Manyara Region.
This uniqueness, they said, has made it one of the rarest gemstones in the world and a major contributor to Tanzania’s identity in the global mineral market.
According to the experts, the continued interest from the public shows the need for sustained education on the mining sector to help citizens understand opportunities available across the value chain, from small-scale activities to large-scale investments.
The Mining Commission has been conducting awareness sessions at the pavilion, focusing on mineral identification, licensing procedures, and investment opportunities.
Officials said the goal is to ensure that more Tanzanians benefit from the country’s natural resources through informed participation.
The exhibition has also attracted high-level visits from government and political leaders, who have commended efforts to educate the public on mining opportunities and promote transparency in the sector.
Among the visitors were senior leaders from the ruling party and the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), who praised the Mining Commission for using the trade fair to bring technical knowledge closer to citizens and encourage broader participation in the economy.
They noted that increased awareness of minerals such as Tanzanite can help strengthen value addition, improve revenue collection, and expand economic opportunities for Tanzanians.
As Sabasaba continues, Tanzanite remains a central attraction, reinforcing Tanzania’s position as a global source of rare gemstones while highlighting the growing importance of public education in unlocking the full potential of the mining sector.
