Simanjiro, Manyara. The government seeks to strengthen the Tanzanite trade and expand Tanzanians’ participation in the mineral economy.
Part of this strategy is to transform Mirerani, Lemshuku, and other gemstone-producing zones into Africa’s leading gemstone hubs.
Speaking in separate meetings in Mirerani and Lemshuku, the minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, outlined sweeping measures designed to restore the global prestige of Tanzanite, enhance transparency in the gemstone value chain, and empower young miners through the Mining for Better Tomorrow (MBT) Programme.
In Mirerani, during a gathering attended by small-scale miners and traders near the Magufuli Wall, Mr Mavunde said the government has embarked on a comprehensive rebranding strategy to elevate the visibility, value, and competitiveness of Tanzanite in international markets.
The forum also featured the issuance of licences to 423 beneficiaries, marking an important step in formalising their participation in the Tanzanite industry.
He said the revival of gemstone auctions will boost transparency, stimulate competition, and help secure fairer pricing for Tanzanian gemstones.
He further revealed that the Tanzanite Exchange Centre (TEC) is 98 percent complete and directed the contractor to expedite the remaining works so that the centre can begin operations and serve as an international trading hub.
“We want buyers visiting the country to access all essential services in one integrated space, from banking and accommodation to dedicated business infrastructure,” he said.
In Lemshuku, where hundreds of young small-scale miners gathered on November 27, 2025, the minister reiterated the government’s vision of seeing Tanzania’s gemstone sector dominated by its citizens.
Through the MBT Programme, he said, the government is expanding opportunities for young people and women to benefit directly from the country’s mineral wealth.
“I want to see Mirerani, Arusha, Geita, Chunya, Mara, Kahama, and other areas grow into Africa’s leading centres for gemstone and metal trade. I want to see Dubai relocated to Simanjiro,” he said as the crowd cheered.
More than 21 groups, comprising 423 members, received licences during the visit.
Of those, seven groups with 127 miners were issued small-scale mining licences for Tanzanite, while 14 groups with 296 members received trading licences.
The move formally integrates them into the Tanzanite value chain and marks the beginning of the fulfilment of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s pledge to distribute mining licences to young gemstone miners in Mirerani and Lemshuku.
Mr Mavunde also inspected the construction of the new Lemshuku mineral buying centre, a project expected to strengthen formal market systems for small-scale miners.
With progress standing at 88 percent, he directed the Resident Mines Officer to accelerate the work to ensure the facility becomes operational soon.
In addition, the minister announced that advanced mineral exploration using drone technology is expected to commence in February 2026 in Simanjiro, a move aimed at improving geological data and guiding responsible mineral development.
He said the government remains in discussions with the Ministry of Finance to expand access to capital through guarantee schemes, enabling small-scale miners to increase productivity and strengthen their contribution to the national economy.
Small-scale miners, for their part, pledged to safeguard national peace and stability as they participate in the country’s mineral development agenda.
