Tanzania opts for value-added minerals to reduce the sale of raw minerals
RIYADH: TANZANIA continues to recognize mineral value addition activities as a crucial pillar for achieving sustainable economic and social development, to reduce the sale and export of raw minerals to foreign countries, particularly within the African continent.
This was stated by the Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Steven Kiruswa, while speaking at the International Mining Conference known as the Future Minerals Forum 2026. The forum brought together ministers, prominent leaders, and stakeholders from the mining sector representing more than 100 countries from within and outside Africa.
Dr Kiruswa noted that mineral resources are among Africa’s greatest sources of wealth, emphasizing the importance for African countries to prioritize mineral value addition within their own borders. He stressed that if each nation focuses on this area, it will be a key driver in transforming mineral wealth into a catalyst for sustainable development for citizens and the nation at large.
ALSO READ: Why Tanzania’s minerals hold key to 2050 vision
Highlighting the efforts being undertaken by the Government of Tanzania to develop the mining sector, Dr. Kiruswa said the government continues to improve transport and communication infrastructure, including the construction of high-speed railways, roads, electricity supply, and the expansion and upgrading of ports. These initiatives aim to ensure the efficient movement of mineral resources from mines to processing plants and markets.
Furthermore, he explained that achieving mineral value addition requires each country to invest in mineral processing, beneficiation, and refining industries. He cited Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the mineral value chain by creating a conducive investment environment, enhancing transport systems, and promoting international trade through the Port of Dar es Salaam.
Emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, Dr. Kiruswa stated that Africa should work collectively to establish regional hubs for mineral beneficiation, processing, and refining in countries with strong infrastructure, enabling neighboring countries to benefit from shared facilities.
This is a sensible shift for Tanzania and Africa as a whole. Exporting raw minerals means losing out on jobs, revenue, and industrial growth. By focusing on local processing and beneficiation, the country can capture more value from its resources. The emphasis on regional hubs and shared infrastructure is also smart—no single nation needs to build everything alone. Hopefully, the government follows through with concrete investments and policies.
Tanzania’s push for local mineral processing highlights a strategic shift toward capturing more value from its natural resources, with infrastructure improvements playing a key supporting role in this vision.
It makes sense that Tanzania is pushing for value addition rather than just shipping out raw minerals—that’s where the real economic gains are. The focus on infrastructure like railways and ports is smart too, since processing is useless if you can’t move the goods efficiently. I hope other African nations follow this approach.