Iron Ladies light up Tanzania’s International Women’s Day  

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian Chief Executive Officer(CEO), and the founder of RARE Mining East Africa Limited, Leminatha Kabigumila and Engineer Rose Mayemba, heightened Tanzanian women’s status in the mining sector as the country marks International Women’s Day.

The recently held African Mining Indaba in South Africa, where the African Women in Mining Association (AWIMA) honoured the two Tanzanian ladies for their outstanding performance in the mining sector after each winning an award in a different category.

The RARE Mining East African Limited CEO, Leminatha Kabigumila, stole the spotlight at the 2nd International Mining Indaba held from February 8–12, 2026, in South Africa by becoming a symbol of women’s potential in mining across Tanzania and Africa.

Participating in the Mining Indaba for the first time, Leminatha won the Women Entrepreneur in Mining Award, presented by the African Women in Mining Association (AWIMA), in recognition of her significant contributions to the mining sector both locally and continentally.

The award adds to her growing list of accolades, including three previous recognitions for Best Miner, Best Taxpayer, and Outstanding Female Miner at the annual “Mining Night”, part of Tanzania’s International Mining Investment Conference, which celebrates top-performing companies and miners in the country.

Speaking after receiving the award, Leminatha said the award came to her as a surprise, as she went to Indaba to learn and network, but beyond her expectations, she won an award that genuine efforts are recognised.

According to Leminatha, Tanzania’s mining sector provides an enabling environment for anyone willing to enter, citing the support she received from local mining officers such as Officer Samweli Shoo in Geita, who helped her obtain her first license.

“I have learned to add value to minerals through innovation, uphold community accountability, and ensure sustainable investment. Seeing women take key roles on international platforms motivates me to stand firm and pursue goals without fear of challenges,” she said.

She encouraged women to start small, be bold, refuse to accept “no” without trying, and believes that the success of one woman is a victory for the entire community.

“This award is proof that we are recognised, that our dreams are possible, and that we should never give up,” she said.

Through RARE Mining, she holds 21 licenses for gypsum mining in Kyerwa, Kagera, and gold mining licenses in Kahama, Shinyanga, and Manyara, selling her gold directly to the Bank of Tanzania in Dodoma.

Through her and Rose Mayemba, Tanzania made a powerful mark at the 2nd International Mining Indaba with a delegation led by the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, including representatives from mining associations, financial institutions, legal firms, traders, service providers, and women passionate about transforming the country’s mining sector.

Mayemba proved that women continue to make waves in the mining sector, earning recognition on African and global platforms as the country strengthens its international profile in the industry.

During the recently held African Mining Indaba in South Africa, the African Women in Mining Association (AWIMA) Eng Rose Mayembe secured second place in the Leading Woman in Large-Scale Mining category, following a winner from the Democratic Republic of Congo and a third-place winner from South Africa.

Speaking after receiving her award, Eng Mayembe, who is an environmental and social advisor specialising in sustainable mining and climate change, noted that her journey in mining began about 12 years ago, when she participated in closure activities and the decommissioning of the Golden Pride Project (GPP) gold mine in Nzega, Tabora, previously owned by Resolute Mining.

“This experience taught me the importance of integrating environmental and social planning early to minimise impacts on communities and ecosystems,” she said.

“It was there that I realised the value of including climate change thinking and innovation from the very start of a project.”

At the Mining Indaba, Rose described her award as a major honour, noting that such platforms bring together governments, investors, major companies, and experts from around the world and that her recognition reflects the ability of Tanzanian women to compete and lead in large-scale mining operations.

“For women, this award signals breaking the glass ceiling and proving that we can be at the decision-making table, advancing accountable mining agendas, international competitiveness, and the participation of women and youth,” she said.

Beyond the Indaba award, Rose received the Global Advocacy Award (GAA) in 2025 in the Clean Energy & Sustainable Mining category, recognising her contributions to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) during the Global Advocacy Forum Awards (GAF 2025) in London, UK.

Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring women in the sector, showing that determination, expertise, and vision can break barriers and create lasting impact both locally and internationally.

Through the two ladies, it is crystal clear that celebrating Women’s Day shouldn’t be seen as a kind of Women’s Empowerment program. It’s all about recognising their various efforts in bringing development in homes, society, and the nation at large.

Showcasing their strength and abilities, and to be honest, women do a lot.

Inspirational figure, the two ladies’ success is Madam President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and this year’s Women’s Day can’t go scot-free without celebrating her in particular. She deserves to be celebrated.

In the history of the country in her leadership, she achieved something that was not expected. She won the heart of citizens and secured 97.66 per cent of votes during the General Election of October last year.

Who can turn a blind eyes to such success?? She led the country with love, determination, and devotion. She wore the shoes and boots that many thought a woman couldn’t, and she surprised them at it. This is marvellous.

Did you see how she marketed Tanzania through the Royal tour? Did you see how she opened various international opportunities for citizens? Tanzanians must be proud of holding her as a Head of State.

Media personalities also played a big role in telling the globe what good Tanzania is doing to its people and the entire universe.

President Samia picked Asha Dachi to lead the media organ and she proved she is tailor-made for the job.

Dachi deserve to be celebrated for her commendable job as the Managing Director of the Tanzania Standard Newspaper (TSN) Limited.

She is another proof that women can bring massive changes in an environment when given leadership. In a short period of her leadership since being appointed to the position, the company has made great strides in its performance in the delivery of timely, quality, and credible news to society.

The digital platforms of the media have been revamped and equipped with new and modern tools, with much more expected to be attained.

Meanwhile, workers have taken a new turn by working hard and being prompt and early at work as Ms Dachi took upon herself to be at the forefront of not tolerating late coming and showed to be an example.

Also deserving recognition is Nancy Sumary, who again made Tanzania proud.

The former Miss Tanzania and technology innovator, Sumari, once again raised Tanzania’s profile on the global stage after winning the prestigious Innovation Award from Zero Project in Austria.

Sumari, who was crowned Miss Tanzania 2006 and later named Miss World Africa, earned international recognition for her work in advancing inclusive education for children with disabilities through her organisation, JengaHub.

Serving as Executive Director of JengaHub, Sumari received the honorary award alongside other institutions, including Child Support Tanzania and Kyaro Assistive Tech, which were also recognised for their innovative contributions to supporting people with disabilities.