Cape Town. Tanzania has reinforced its standing as one of Africa’s most compelling mining investment destinations after drawing strong international backing at the 2026 Mining Indaba.
The high-profile forum has brought together global financiers, governments, and industry leaders.
Their collective message has been clear. Tanzania’s mining sector is open, reform-driven, and ripe for sustained partnership.
On February 10, the Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, held a series of strategic engagements on the sidelines of the conference.
The meetings included consultations with the World Bank, bilateral talks with foreign delegations, and participation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mining Ministers’ Meeting.
The discussions centred on investment cooperation, policy alignment, and long-term sector development.
The World Bank expressed strong satisfaction with the growing contribution of mining to Tanzania’s economy.
Officials welcomed recent reforms and reaffirmed their readiness to support initiatives that enhance productivity, governance, and value addition.
They noted that the sector has become a vital engine of growth, employment, and fiscal stability.
Tanzania, Australia
Australia emerged as one of the most enthusiastic partners.
In bilateral talks, Deputy Ambassador, Christopher Ellinger, described Tanzania as a priority destination for Australian mining companies.
He said Australian investors regard the country as one of their leading choices for new mineral projects.
He said Australia was willing to deepen cooperation through private sector-led investments.
The dialogue also addressed the implementation of Tanzania’s Local Content Regulations.
Australia sought clarity on the integration of Tanzanian citizens and domestic firms into mining supply chains.
Particular attention was paid to mine services and logistics.
Both sides stressed the importance of ensuring that foreign capital complements national participation objectives.
Beyond policy engagement, tangible investment progress was reported.
Faru Graphite project
Mr Mavunde confirmed that Faru Graphite, a joint venture between the government and Australia-based Black Rock Mining, is advancing steadily.
The Mahenge graphite project in Ulanga District, Morogoro Region, is expected to deliver significant economic returns.
It will also strengthen Tanzania’s foothold in the global graphite market, a sector of growing strategic importance.
He reiterated the government’s readiness to cooperate with all investors who comply with national laws, regulations, and guidelines.
He said Tanzania’s development agenda places strong emphasis on geoscientific research and domestic value addition.
These priorities, he added, are guided by the principle that minerals are a foundation of life and prosperity.
Plantcor Mining
Encouraging developments were also reported in gold mining.
South Africa-based Plantcor Mining, a specialist in mining operations and equipment leasing, is in the final stages of concluding a joint venture agreement with the State Mining Corporation (Stamico).
The partnership is set to advance gold extraction at the Kigosi licence area in Geita Region.
The company assured the government that project implementation would commence immediately after the agreement is signed.
International investment workshop
Private legal and financial institutions also demonstrated robust commitment.
Breakthrough Attorneys, in partnership with NMB Bank, organised an international investment workshop in Cape Town.
The forum drew participants from across the global mining industry. It showcased Tanzania’s mineral potential, legal framework, and financing opportunities.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Mavunde said Tanzania is transitioning from passive ownership of mineral resources to active participation across the entire value chain.
He stressed that domestic value addition should be viewed as an opportunity, not a constraint.
He urged investors to capitalise on the supportive policy environment and the country’s strategic location.
He said the value-addition strategy is anchored in partnerships and aligns with the Africa Mining Vision. It also reflects investor-friendly industrial policies.
He commended the growing role of domestic financial institutions, citing NMB Bank as a key example of effective collaboration throughout project lifecycles.
Mr Mavunde added that the convergence of domestic and international financing signals deep confidence in Tanzania’s mining sector.
It demonstrates the sector’s bankability, creditworthiness, and capacity to attract long-term capital.
The expanding engagement of multilateral lenders, foreign governments, private investors, and domestic institutions underscores Tanzania’s emergence as a central node in Africa’s mining economy.
With sustained reforms, deeper partnerships, and unwavering commitment to value addition, the sector is poised to play an even greater role in driving inclusive growth, industrial transformation, and regional integration.
