Dar es Salaam— Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa officially opened the three-day 2024 International Mining and Investment Conference on Tuesday (November 19), urging collaboration to elevate Tanzania’s mining sector.
His address outlined the government’s vision for sustainable growth in the industry, focusing on four key directives: fostering foreign investment, facilitating knowledge exchange, ensuring responsible resource management, and creating local economic opportunities.
The Prime Minister emphasized that attracting foreign investment is vital to maximizing the value of Tanzania’s rich mineral resources.
“Despite the country’s wealth, much of the value addition happens outside its borders,” he stated.
“To reverse this trend, we need greater investment in local processing facilities, which would turn raw minerals into finished products within Tanzania.
“This shift would not only add value but also generate jobs and foster economic growth.”
On the topic of sustainable mining practices, the Premier stressed the importance of responsible resource management.
“The government is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within the sector,” he said, “aiming to create a mining environment that benefits all Tanzanians.”
This includes strengthening regulations to mitigate environmental impacts while boosting profitability.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for collaboration.
Echoing this sentiment, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde addressed the gathering, outlining steps the government has taken to make Tanzania more attractive to global investors.
These initiatives include streamlining the licensing process, offering tax incentives, and promoting the establishment of special economic zones to facilitate mineral processing.
Mr Mavunde specifically urged major global battery manufacturers to consider Tanzania as a potential hub for production, noting the country’s abundance of critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium, which are essential for electric vehicle batteries.
He pointed out that as the world faces the challenge of climate change, the demand for these strategic minerals has surged, making Tanzania’s vast mineral reserves an attractive opportunity for global investors.
Both leaders underscored the growing demand for these minerals to drive green technologies. However, they agreed that meeting this demand requires a concerted effort to build the necessary infrastructure and industries to process these raw materials domestically.
Mr Mavunde also acknowledged that the success of Tanzania’s mining sector will depend not only on government policies but on the active participation of international investors, local businesses, and the communities that host mining operations.
“I invite stakeholders from around the world to seize the opportunities available in Tanzania,” he said. “With a rich geological landscape, a stable political climate, and numerous investment incentives, Tanzania offers a promising environment for long-term success.”
Minister Mavunde further highlighted that the government’s efforts have led to significant improvements in revenue collection.
The sector’s contribution to the national revenue has grown substantially, with the Ministry’s revenue collection increasing from Sh624.61 billion in 2021 to Sh753.82 billion in 2023, signaling a positive fiscal trend.
He also reflected on Tanzania’s progress in empowering local communities, particularly marginalized groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities.
His Ministry, in partnership with the Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA), recently conducted a survey showing that over 80 percent of women in certain regions are actively involved in mining activities.
“This points to the significant role these groups play in the sector,” he said.
Adding: “The government is committed to increasing their participation through specialized programs like Mining for Better Tomorrow (MBT), which promotes involvement in the mining value chain.”
A Shared Vision for Tanzania’s Mining Future
Together, Prime Minister Majaliwa and Minister Mavunde shared a vision for a thriving, sustainable mining sector—one that creates wealth, enhances the lives of Tanzanians, and positions the country as a global leader in the industry.
Their calls for investment, innovation, and inclusivity set the stage for a promising future, driven by collaboration between the government, international investors, and the people of Tanzania.
