Dar es Salaam. The European Union (EU) has commended Tanzania for its significant strides in reforming the mining sector, noting the impact the changes have had in bolstering the national economy under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
This praise was delivered during a meeting held in Dar es Salaam today April 10, 2025 between the minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, and an EU delegation led by the Head of the Political Section at the EU Delegation to Tanzania, Ms Isabelle Mignucci.
The meeting focused on the development of the mining sector, with a particular emphasis on the advancement of strategic minerals.
Ms Mignucci acknowledged the reforms underway in the sector, describing them as “major and transformative,” and expressed the EU’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s ambitions in the field.
According to Ms Mignucci, the EU has allocated €60 million (approximately Sh167 billion) to support various initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector.
These include infrastructure development in mining zones, enhancement of reliable power supply, technical training for Tanzanians, and comprehensive geological surveys across the country.
In his remarks, Mr Mavunde expressed appreciation for the EU’s support and affirmed the government’s commitment to deepening cooperation, particularly in the area of value addition.
He stressed that, while research remains a priority, the government is now placing stronger emphasis on domestic mineral beneficiation as a means of increasing economic returns and creating employment opportunities.
“Our current priority as a country is to ensure that our minerals are processed locally so that we derive greater value from them,” said Mr Mavunde.
“Our cooperation must, therefore, also focus keenly on attracting investment into value addition industries within Tanzania.”
Also present at the meeting were the chief executive officer of the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), Dr Musa Budeba, and the Assistant Commissioner for Minerals, Mr Terence Ngole.
