Dar es Salaam. The minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde has said that the government has plans to transform the nation into Africa’s primary hub for strategic minerals and value-addition activities.
For that to be realised he urged institutions within the sector to capitalised on existing opportunities to ensure the country effectively services both regional and international markets.
Speaking on June 19, 2026, during an official visit to the African Minerals and Geoscience Centre (AMGC) in Kunduchi, Dar es Salaam, Mr Mavunde emphasised that Tanzania is uniquely positioned to lead the sector.
Mr Mavunde toured the centre’s advanced laboratories and its lapidary facilities, which handle the cutting, polishing, and refining of gemstones, whilst engaging with the institution’s leadership and staff.
The Minister stated that the administration is determined to establish Tanzania as the definitive gateway for mineral services across the continent.
He noted that the country’s geographical advantages and existing infrastructure provide a robust foundation to serve neighbouring states and international partners comprehensively.
Central to this strategy is the enhancement of local expertise and economic inclusivity.
The government, through the Ministry of Minerals, is currently implementing the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow programme.
This initiative is designed to empower youth, women, and persons with disabilities by providing them with specialised knowledge, technology, and small-scale machinery necessary to foster self-employment and elevate income levels.
Under the framework outlined by Mr Mavunde, AMGC will serve as a primary training ground for these beneficiaries.
The collaboration aims to bridge the skills gap in gemstone processing and broader mineral value addition, ensuring that local communities derive tangible economic benefits from Tanzania’s vast natural resources.
