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MWE Correspondent
The Government of Tanzania is accelerating youth participation in the mining sector with a series of initiatives aimed at boosting skills, investment access, and economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Speaking in Dodoma on March 16, 2026, Engineer Hamisi Kamando, Director of Mine Inspection and Environment at the Mining Commission, highlighted plans to organize gemstone and mineral auctions, establish youth-focused mining zones, and continue the construction of Regional Resident Mining Officer offices. These measures, he said, are designed to create an enabling environment for young Tanzanians to actively engage in mining and mineral trading.
“Through these initiatives, youth will be able to participate fully in mining activities, track tender opportunities, and gain access to critical resources,” Kamando said.
The Commission is collaborating with the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) and the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to provide training in modern mining techniques and ensure access to geological data. Financial support is also being facilitated through partnerships with banks, including CRDB, enabling small-scale gold miners to secure capital for investments.
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Recent statistics reflect the impact of these policies. From July to December 2025, Tanzanian-owned companies—including youth-led businesses—secured contracts worth 3.8 trillion/- under the Tanzanian Participation in Mining regulations. Value addition efforts saw 5.802 trillion/- worth of minerals processed domestically, with seven operational processing plants creating 273 jobs, primarily benefiting youth.
The “Mining for Better Tomorrow – MBT” initiative further supports youth entrepreneurship, having issued 273 licenses to 183 youth groups in regions such as Mara, Kagera, Shinyanga, Morogoro, Dodoma, and Njombe. These initiatives provided 2,550 direct jobs in gold, copper, gemstones, salt, and construction minerals by December 2025.
Small-scale mining remains a priority, with 5,983 licenses issued during the same period—71 percent reserved for Tanzanians aged 18 to 45. Additionally, 65 areas across regions including Mtwara, Manyara, Lindi, Morogoro, Dodoma, Tabora, Geita, Shinyanga, Mwanza, and Mbeya have been designated for youth mining, underscoring the government’s commitment to harnessing the sector as a driver of economic growth.
Analysts say these reforms not only empower young Tanzanians but also strengthen the country’s mining sector, ensuring broader participation, sustainable practices, and long-term value creation for the national economy.
