Dar es Salaam. Tanzania took an active role at the 2026 Mining Indaba, held in South Africa from February 8 to 12.
The national delegation was led by the Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde.
It brought together miners’ associations, financial institutions, law firms, traders, service providers, and women determined to reshape the mining sector.
Among them stood Ms Leminatha Cornel Kabigumila.
She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of RARE Mining East Africa Limited.
Her story is one of courage, resilience, and steady progress.
She has become a symbol of what women can achieve in Tanzania’s mining industry.
For Ms Kabigumila, this was her first appearance at the prestigious Mining Indaba.
It became a moment of triumph. She won the African Women in Mining Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year.
The accolade was presented by the African Women in Mining Association (AWIMA).
It recognised her remarkable contribution to mining in Tanzania and across Africa.
She admitted the honour came as a surprise. “I did not expect this award,” she said.
“I went to Indaba to learn and to network. Receiving this recognition was beyond my expectations. It proves that genuine effort is always seen.”
This was not her first distinction. Ms Kabigumila has previously received three national awards.
These include Best Miner, Best Taxpayer, and Best Female Miner.
The honours were presented during the annual Usiku wa Madini ceremony, part of the Tanzania Mining Investment Conference.
The event celebrates excellence and innovation within the sector.
Her journey, however, was not easy. She entered mining at a time when the field was dominated by men. She faced scepticism and social barriers.
She lacked access to capital and technical support. Yet, she remained resolute.
Through discipline and persistence, she built her company from modest beginnings into a respected mining enterprise.
Ms Kabigumila credits recent reforms for her success. She says Tanzania’s mining sector has become more inclusive and supportive.
She points to improved licensing systems, stronger institutional backing, and fairer regulations.
These changes, she notes, have opened doors for women and young entrepreneurs.
She recalls the crucial role played by Resident Mines Officer Samweli Shoo, now based in the Geita mining region.
He believed in her vision and assisted her in securing her first licence.
That moment, she says, changed her life.
“Support and trust make a real difference,” she said.
“They give you confidence to move forward and to take risks.”
Beyond business, Ms Kabigumila is passionate about mentoring other women.
She encourages them to pursue opportunities in mining.
She urges them to overcome fear and cultural limitations.
She believes the sector offers vast potential for economic empowerment.
Her success story reflects a broader transformation within Tanzania’s mining industry.
It highlights the growing role of women and the benefits of inclusive policies.
It also underlines the importance of perseverance.
As Tanzania continues to position itself as a competitive mining destination, stories such as hers provide inspiration.
They remind the nation that determination, integrity, and hard work can turn adversity into achievement.
