Summary
The Tanzania’s mining sector continues to strengthen its contribution to the national economy, generating 1.374tri/- in government revenue, exceeding the annual target of 1.2tri/- for the current financial year.
DAR ES SALAAM: THE President of United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to grace official opening of the 7th edition of the Tanzania Mining and Investment Conference (TMIC 2026).
The conference, scheduled to convene from 19 to 21 November 2026 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam has been organized jointly by the government and the private sector.
According to the organizers, more than 2,000 participants and over 100 speakers from more than 50 countries are expecting to attend, making it one of the largest mining and investment gatherings in the region.
Speaking on Saturday during inauguration of TMIC 2026 in the port city of Dar es Salaam, Minister for Minerals Mr. Anthony Mavunde said the government is accelerating efforts to build a mineral-based industrial economy by prioritising mineral processing and smelting instead of exporting raw minerals.
He said that the conference theme, “Value-Added Minerals: A Catalyst for Industrial and Economic Growth,” reflects the government’s vision of positioning Tanzania as Africa’s leading hub for mineral beneficiation and value addition.
According to Mr Mavunde, Tanzania has already established eight gold refineries, while Dodoma Region is home to nine mineral processing plants that are either operational or under construction. The country is also developing a major nickel and copper smelter.
He added that more than 600bn/- is being invested in the construction of a steel plant that will utilise 100 per cent locally sourced raw materials.
Additional investments are underway in Kigamboni and Tanga for Heavy Mineral Sands processing, as well as the Panda Hill niobium project in Mbeya Region, he added.
To increase Tanzanian participation in the mining industry, Mr Mavunde expressed that procurement through the Local Content programme has reached 5.1tri/-, while 20 categories of goods have been reserved for production by local companies to supply large-scale mining operations.
He urged local businesses to uphold integrity and meet international quality standards to maximise opportunities created by the expanding mining sector.
The minister further said the mining sector continues to strengthen its contribution to the national economy, generating 1.374tri/- in government revenue, exceeding the annual target of 1.2tri/- for the current financial year.
Mr Mavunde also announced that the government has approved the allocation of 10 per cent of all mining sector revenues to advanced geophysical surveys aimed at increasing the country’s mapped mineral-rich areas from the current 16 per cent to 50 per cent by 2030.
He said the government is also finalising the establishment of a dedicated credit facility for small-scale miners, who currently contribute nearly 40 per cent of the mining sector’s revenue despite facing challenges related to capital and technology.
In addition, the government is introducing a digital system to revoke inactive mining licences. Licence holders who fail to submit the required information within the specified timeframe will receive a 30- day notice, after which unused licences will be automatically cancelled.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Engineer Yahya Samamba, said the government is committed to ensuring that Tanzania’s mineral wealth drives industrialisation, creates employment and stimulates sustainable economic growth through value addition rather than relying solely on mineral extraction.
He said TMIC 2026 will bring together government leaders, financial institutions, mining companies, technology experts, researchers and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss investment opportunities and the future of Tanzania’s mining industry.
“This is the time to usher in a new era of investment, innovation and growth in Tanzania’s mining sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tanzania Chamber of Mines Executive Secretary Engineer Mr. Benjamin Mchwampaka said the conference programme will feature more than 20 technical sessions covering mining policy, taxation, investment, technology, clean energy, strategic minerals, mineral beneficiation and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues.
He noted that TMIC 2026 will place special emphasis on empowering small-scale miners while promoting greater participation of women and persons with disabilities across the entire mineral value chain.
The conference is expected to be officially closed by the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi.
