MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s presidential candidate Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to expand the country’s mineral exploration and accelerate infrastructure development as part of her campaign promises ahead of the October 29, 2025 general elections.
Speaking at a rally in Pangani on Monday, September 29, Dr. Samia said that if given another five-year mandate, her government would increase the area of land dedicated to mineral exploration by 18 to 20 percent. At present, only 16 percent of Tanzania’s landmass is under mining activity. She stressed that widening exploration would help uncover new mineral deposits, boost small-scale miners’ earnings, and expand national revenues.
Dr. Samia underscored her government’s commitment to empowering artisanal and small-scale miners by prioritising them in the issuance of licences. She noted that Tsh 642 million had already been provided in loans to women, youth, and people with disabilities in Pangani. She also announced the creation of a special fund worth Tsh 200 billion to expand access to credit for young entrepreneurs and small traders.
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On infrastructure, Dr. Samia promised to complete the long-awaited Bagamoyo–Saadani–Tanga road as well as the construction of a 525-metre bridge over the Pangani River. She explained that once finished, these projects would transform the Bagamoyo–Tanga corridor, opening up new economic opportunities along the coastline, easing travel, and reducing transport costs for residents who have long struggled with limited connectivity.
Providing an update on progress, she revealed that the 50-kilometre Tanga–Pangani stretch has reached 75 percent completion, while the Pangani–Saadani–Makurunge section, spanning 95 kilometres, is 50 percent complete. The Pangani River bridge and its feeder roads stand at 62 percent completion.
These commitments come as Tanzania positions itself for broader economic transformation. The mining sector, a cornerstone of the economy, continues to attract global interest for its potential in gold, rare earths, and other resources. At the same time, investment in infrastructure is expected to fuel trade, tourism, and regional integration, particularly along the East African coast.
