MWE Correspondent
Critical and strategic minerals found in Tanzania are increasingly being viewed as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term development ambitions, particularly under the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
As global demand for minerals linked to modern technology and clean energy continues to rise, Tanzania’s natural endowment is placing the country in a stronger position to drive industrial growth and economic transformation.
While the term “critical minerals” may sound technical, their role is already woven into everyday life. They are found in mobile phones, kitchen appliances, power tools and vehicles, and are essential to technologies shaping the future, including renewable energy systems and electric mobility. In many cases, the materials that make daily life easier originate from mineral resources that Tanzania holds in significant quantities.
For decades, Tanzania’s mineral wealth has been well known. What has become more urgent in recent years is the need for closer coordination between the public and private sectors to ensure these resources are used responsibly and strategically. Analysts argue that simply extracting and exporting raw minerals is no longer enough. Instead, the focus is shifting toward building a strong domestic value chain that prioritises processing, skills development and local participation.
The importance of minerals can be illustrated by something as ordinary as a kitchen. Everyday items such as spoons, forks and cooking utensils are made from metals derived from mineral resources. Step beyond the home into the digital economy and the list expands rapidly, with minerals forming the backbone of electronics, communications systems and energy infrastructure. As the world increasingly relies on advanced technologies, the role of critical minerals has become central to economic planning and national security.
Also Read; Tanzania Must Reveal Death Toll After Protests
Under Vision 2050, Tanzania aims to transition into a high-income economy supported by industrialisation, innovation and sustainable resource use. The mining sector is expected to play a catalytic role by supplying inputs to manufacturing and supporting the country’s broader industrial base. Experts say this approach could help reduce dependence on imports while creating jobs and strengthening local industries.
Global trends are also shaping the conversation. The transition toward clean energy and electric transport has intensified competition for minerals essential to batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. Countries rich in these resources are now under pressure to balance export opportunities with long-term development goals. For Tanzania, this means aligning mineral extraction with sustainable management of natural resources, environmental protection and community development.
Economists note that minerals, if managed wisely, can support wider industrialisation efforts by encouraging investment in processing and manufacturing rather than raw exports. Such an approach is seen as key to building economic resilience and ensuring that mineral wealth translates into tangible benefits for citizens.
As Tanzania looks ahead to 2050, critical minerals are no longer viewed simply as underground assets. They are increasingly recognised as strategic tools for shaping the country’s future, with the potential to power growth, support innovation and deliver long-term prosperity if harnessed in a balanced and forward-looking manner.
