Tanzania is pursuing a strategic shift in its mining sector, aiming to move beyond the export of raw minerals toward processing, refining, and manufacturing higher-value products. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Msafiri Mbibo, outlined this vision during the Tanzania–European Union Investment and Business Forum in Helsinki on September 28, 2026. He emphasized the country’s vast mineral reserves, including gold, diamonds, tanzanite, and critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements (REEs), as key assets for building a competitive value chain. Mbibo highlighted the government’s focus on attracting investors to develop processing infrastructure, access international markets, and enhance local industrialization through projects such as Kabanga Nickel, Ngualla Rare Earth, and Sotta Uranium, alongside opportunities in gold, copper, and gemstones.
The government is also prioritizing policy reforms and infrastructure development to support this transition. Mbibo noted that Tanzania’s mining sector contributed 10.3% of GDP in 2025 and accounted for over 50% of the nation’s export earnings, underscoring its economic significance. To create a more investor-friendly environment, the government is implementing predictable legislation, formal investment agreements, and tax incentives. Additionally, it is expanding energy, railway, road, airport, and port infrastructure to facilitate mineral production and trade. Mbibo stressed that increasing mineral beneficiation—processing and refining within the country—would maximize economic returns and reduce reliance on raw material exports.
Engineer Ally Samaje, Executive Director of the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), reiterated the potential for strategic mineral investments, citing nickel, copper, cobalt, and rare earth elements as priority areas. The government plans to boost geological exploration using High-Resolution Airborne Geophysical Surveys, aiming to expand coverage from 16% to 50% of the country by 2030. Geochemical exploration coverage is also targeted to rise from 24% to 50% by the same year. Samaje stated these efforts would identify new investment opportunities while promoting local processing and industrialization, aligning with Tanzania’s broader economic development goals.
The push for value addition in the mining sector reflects Tanzania’s ambition to diversify its economy and create jobs through sustainable resource utilization. By leveraging its mineral wealth, the country seeks to attract foreign investment, stimulate industrial growth, and enhance revenue streams. However, success will depend on balancing environmental concerns, community engagement, and the effective implementation of policies to ensure long-term benefits for local populations and the national economy.