Doha. Tanzania has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to promote tanzanite and other precious gemstones in Qatar, as part of broader efforts to restore the value, prestige and global visibility of the country’s unique mineral resources.
The initiative, announced on February 25, 2026, is aimed at expanding international markets for tanzanite, attracting investment, and strengthening the link between the gemstone trade and tourism promotion.
The minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, disclosed the plan during a visit to the Tanzania Embassy in Doha, where he held discussions with embassy officials on practical measures to market tanzanite more aggressively in the Gulf region.
He said the government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, had prioritised the revitalisation of the tanzanite sector following concerns from miners and traders over a recent downturn in demand and prices.
“In recent years, the tanzanite market has experienced a slight decline, which has affected prices. The President has listened to the concerns of miners and traders and directed the Ministry of Minerals to ensure that we restore the global stature of this precious gemstone so that it delivers tangible benefits to our nation,” Mr Mavunde said.
He added that the ministry would intensify promotional campaigns in key international markets, including Qatar, to increase awareness of the origin, uniqueness and availability of tanzanite.
According to the minister, limited knowledge in some global markets about the true source of tanzanite has undermined its commercial potential and weakened its contribution to tourism promotion.
“There are countries where people are not fully aware that tanzanite originates exclusively from Tanzania. This situation denies us a vital opportunity not only to grow the gemstone market, but also to use it as a powerful tool to promote tourism,” he said.
Mr Mavunde stressed that the government’s strategy would focus on branding, market outreach, diplomatic engagement and partnerships with international traders, investors and tourism stakeholders.
He noted that Tanzania is endowed with a wide range of minerals, including numerous gemstones, but tanzanite holds a special place due to its rarity and exclusive origin.
“Tanzanite is unique to Tanzania. It is not found anywhere else in the world. This makes it a national treasure and a symbol of our identity. We must take pride in it, promote it globally, and protect its reputation for quality and authenticity,” he said.
The initiative in Qatar forms part of a wider diplomatic and commercial drive to position Tanzanian minerals more competitively on the international stage, while supporting sustainable mining, value addition and inclusive economic growth.
