Addis Ababa. Tanzania has reiterated the importance of the sustainable use of critical minerals as a key driver of industrial development and economic growth across Africa.
The position was presented during a regional conference held at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa.
The remarks were delivered on April 28, 2026, by Deputy Minister for Minerals Steven Kiruswa, who led Tanzania’s delegation to the forum.
He emphasised that Africa occupies a strategic position in the global economy due to its vast reserves of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.
Dr Kiruswa said minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel have become central to the production of electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy systems.
He noted that the increasing global shift towards clean energy has placed Africa at the centre of the transition to a low-carbon economy.
According to him, this shift presents significant opportunities for African nations to expand industrialisation and strengthen economic resilience.
He further explained that the Government of Tanzania remains committed to ensuring that mineral resources are managed in a manner that benefits citizens.
He said national policies and strategies are being implemented to promote value addition within the country, create employment opportunities and foster inclusive economic growth.
Such measures, he noted, are intended to maximise the contribution of the mining sector to national development while supporting broader regional progress.
Earlier, on April 27, 2026, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals Msafiri Mbibo highlighted Africa’s strong potential to benefit from the rising global demand for critical minerals.
He said that while the demand presents considerable opportunities, investment in the sector must be guided by sustainability and accountability principles.
Mr Mbibo identified several challenges facing the mining sector across the continent.
These include informal mining activities, environmental degradation and limited participation of local communities in mining projects.
He stressed that addressing these challenges requires close cooperation among governments, private sector stakeholders and development partners.
He further underlined the importance of strengthening partnerships at both regional and international levels.
According to him, collaboration among stakeholders will be instrumental in ensuring that mineral resources contribute effectively to long-term economic transformation across Africa.
Mr Mbibo also noted that Tanzania will continue to promote the use of modern technologies in mining operations.
He said that the adoption of advanced systems is expected to improve productivity, enhance safety standards and reduce environmental impacts associated with mineral extraction.
The regional conference brought together policymakers, industry experts and development partners to discuss strategies aimed at promoting responsible mining practices and strengthening value chains within the continent.
Participants also explored ways of enhancing regional cooperation to ensure that Africa derives maximum benefit from its mineral wealth while safeguarding environmental and social interests.
Tanzania’s participation in the forum reflects its broader commitment to sustainable mineral development and its intention to support Africa’s industrial growth through responsible resource management.
