Mkuranga District is emerging as a major centre for mineral value addition, with growing industrial activity turning locally sourced minerals into products for the domestic and export markets.
The development is strengthening the link between Tanzania’s mining and manufacturing sectors as the country seeks to use industrialisation to achieve the objectives of the National Development Vision 2050, including the ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa highlighted the progress on August 19, 2026, during a visit to Mkuranga to inspect mining and mineral-processing activities, assess challenges and issue directives to stakeholders.
Dr Kiruswa visited KEDA Tanzania Float Glass, which manufactures glass for buildings, vehicles and other applications, and GoodWill Ceramic Co Ltd, which produces floor and wall tiles, sanitary ware and other household products.
The deputy minister said the two factories demonstrated the potential for Tanzania to move beyond exporting raw minerals by processing them into higher-value products.
He said the fact that some locally manufactured products were finding their way into major international markets, including the United States, was an indication of the growing potential of Tanzania’s manufacturing sector.
Dr Kiruswa directed stakeholders in the mining sector to adhere to government-set indicative prices for minerals used by industries, saying this would help ensure a stable and fair supply of raw materials.
He also instructed the Resident Mining Officer for Dar es Salaam and Pwani, working with Mkuranga District authorities, to organise a seminar for factory owners and mining licence holders.
The seminar will focus on corporate social responsibility, environmental protection and other obligations associated with mining and mineral processing.
Mkuranga District Commissioner Hadija Nasri Ally said the district was taking steps to improve the infrastructure needed to support its rapidly expanding industrial base.
She said the district had set aside 15 acres for the construction of an inland dry port, which is expected to improve the storage, handling and transportation of goods produced in the area.
“Mkuranga has 275 factories, of which 39 use minerals to manufacture different products,” Ms Ally said.
She added that mining activities contributed TZS3.2 billion to the district during the 2025/26 financial year.
The figures underline the growing role of mining and mineral-based manufacturing in the district’s local economy.
KEDA Tanzania Commercial Manager Ruby Zhu said 98 per cent of the raw materials used by the glass manufacturer were sourced from Mkuranga.
The factory produces about 600 tonnes of glass daily, with part of its output exported to international markets, including the United States.
The development is significant for local value addition because it allows minerals and other raw materials sourced in Tanzania to be processed locally before being sold as finished or semi-finished products.
GoodWill Commercial Manager Justin Xie said 90 per cent of the raw materials used by the company were sourced within Tanzania.
He said the company had expanded its production beyond ceramic tiles to include household and sanitary products such as sinks, bathroom fittings and other related items.
The products are sold in Tanzania and exported to markets including Europe and the United States.
Mr Xie said the factory had created about 3,000 direct jobs for Tanzanians, while supporting another 12,000 indirect employment opportunities.
“We have put down roots in Tanzania and are committed to transforming locally available mineral resources into high-value products for export, while creating more jobs and generating tax revenue,” he said.
He said the company was also prepared to work with government institutions and other stakeholders to address bottlenecks in the mineral supply chain and support further industrial development.
Dar es Salaam and Pwani Regional Mining Officer Engineer Lameck Gabote said Mkuranga was among the major producers of construction and industrial minerals.
He said the district’s mineral output was particularly important in supplying industries in Dar es Salaam and neighbouring regions.
The developments in Mkuranga point to the increasing role of mineral value addition in Tanzania’s industrialisation drive, with the sector offering opportunities to expand manufacturing, create employment, increase government revenue and boost exports while reducing dependence on the export of unprocessed minerals.
