Tanzania is using a major international jewellery exhibition in Qatar to seek new markets for its gemstones, promote Tanzanite and attract investment into the country’s mineral value chain.
Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa is leading the Tanzanian delegation at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2026, which runs from September 28 to October 3.
The participation brings Tanzanian gemstone traders and other industry stakeholders into direct contact with international buyers, investors and jewellery specialists, as the country seeks to expand markets for locally produced gemstones.
Dr Kiruswa said the exhibition was an opportunity for Tanzania to promote its mineral resources while exposing local businesses to international markets and investment opportunities.
“Our participation here is an opportunity to promote Tanzania, particularly Tanzanite, while also showing international investors the various opportunities available in our mining sector,” he said.
He said the government was also pushing for greater value addition to minerals before they are sold, a strategy aimed at increasing the economic benefits of the sector.
The opportunities being promoted include mineral exploration, mining, processing, value addition and trading.
The minister said Tanzanian traders could also use the exhibition to study international market trends, identify potential buyers and establish business networks that could help improve the competitiveness of locally produced gemstones.
Tanzanite, a gemstone found mainly in northern Tanzania, remains one of the country’s most distinctive mineral products and a major focus of efforts to expand the international gemstone market.
Tanzania’s Ambassador to Qatar, Habibu Mohamed, said the embassy would continue promoting investment opportunities in Tanzania, with the aim of attracting investors and creating employment opportunities.
Tanzania Gemstone and Mineral Dealers Association (TAMIDA) chairman Osman Abdulsattar said the participation had given local traders an opportunity to engage directly with international players.
He said the exhibition was also helping Tanzanian businesses understand developments in international gemstone markets and identify new commercial opportunities.
“This participation has given us an opportunity to see how international gemstone markets are developing, build new business relationships and identify opportunities that can increase the competitiveness of Tanzanian gemstones,” he said.
Hussein Al Fardan, executive director of Al Fardan Investment Corporation, which organises the exhibition, said Tanzania’s interest in participating in next year’s edition could open another platform for its gemstone businesses to reach international buyers.
He said Tanzania could become the first African country to participate in DJWE if it joins the 2027 edition and pledged support for Tanzanian exhibitors.
The participation comes as Tanzania seeks to increase the contribution of mining to the economy by expanding mineral value addition, attracting investment and improving access to international markets.
For Tanzanian gemstone traders, the challenge will be to convert the exposure gained at international exhibitions into sustained orders, investment partnerships and greater value captured within the country’s mineral value chain.