The Tanzanian government has intensified efforts to integrate women more deeply into the mineral sector, aiming to shift their roles from mere participants to owners, producers, traders, and investors. This initiative was underscored by Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr. Steven Kiruswa during the 2026 Mining Queens Awards Ceremony in Geita Region, where he emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring mineral wealth generates broader economic opportunities for women. The event, organized with support from the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), highlighted the need for women to move beyond traditional mining roles and into leadership and entrepreneurial positions within the industry.
Dr. Kiruswa outlined the government’s strategy, which goes beyond merely increasing the number of mining licenses issued to citizens. Instead, the focus is on transforming these licenses into productive operations that create jobs, generate income, and foster sustainable businesses. He noted that while 714 women in Geita Region have joined mining groups and received small-scale licenses, success requires more than access to licenses. Women miners need training in technology, business management, occupational safety, environmental practices, and market access to ensure their ventures thrive.
The government’s approach includes setting aside mining areas for women and providing them with formal licenses to facilitate ownership and participation in the mineral economy. Dr. Kiruswa stressed that licensing is just the first step, with ongoing capacity-building programs addressing critical areas such as sustainable mining practices, value addition, and market connectivity. These initiatives aim to equip women with the tools to turn mining opportunities into long-term, profitable enterprises.
STAMICO, under Executive Director Dr. Venance Mwasse, has played a pivotal role in supporting women miners through knowledge transfer, technological assistance, and operational guidance. Mwasse emphasized that the corporation’s mission includes fostering an environment where women can expand their mining activities and contribute meaningfully to the sector. He also called on women’s groups like the Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA) to collaborate with the government and STAMICO to amplify their impact.
TAWOMA Chairperson Semeni Malale acknowledged the government and STAMICO’s efforts in creating opportunities for women, while urging stronger partnerships to ensure access to technology, capital, and markets. She highlighted that while licenses are a starting point, women need practical resources to scale their operations and connect with broader economic networks. TAWOMA has been instrumental in uniting women miners and advocating for their interests, with STAMICO supporting its initiatives for three consecutive years.
The 2026 Mining Queens Awards, hosted by STAMICO, recognized outstanding contributions in the sector, with Asha Msangi named Mining Queen 2026. The event served as a platform to spotlight women’s achievements and the opportunities available to them in mining. Dr. Kiruswa reiterated that empowering women requires more than licenses—it demands access to knowledge, safe practices, and sustainable business models.
The government’s long-term vision, through programs like Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow (MBT), is to elevate women from participants to key stakeholders in the mineral value chain. This includes roles in exploration, processing, trading, and service provision. By expanding women’s participation across these stages, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and economically vibrant mining sector.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Women miners must navigate legal, safety, and environmental regulations while building sustainable enterprises. The collaboration between the government, STAMICO, and organizations like TAWOMA is critical to addressing these hurdles and ensuring women can fully capitalize on mining opportunities.
Dr. Kiruswa emphasized that women with licenses must develop their mining areas responsibly, adhering to laws and using appropriate technology. He called for accountability in operations to protect workers and communities. This balance between opportunity and responsibility is central to the government’s strategy.
With 714 women in Geita now organized into groups, the focus shifts to transforming these opportunities into productive, sustainable ventures. The government’s goal is to see women advance along the mineral value chain, contributing to production, employment, and economic growth while upholding environmental and safety standards.
The initiative reflects Tanzania’s broader commitment to gender equity and economic diversification. By empowering women in mining, the government seeks to unlock the sector’s full potential, ensuring that mineral wealth benefits a wider population and strengthens the national economy.