Tanzania’s gemstone business faces highly competitive markets

ARUSHA: TANZANIA has seen the rise in gemstone market competition driven by technological advances and expertise from countries experienced in mineral value addition, including India, Thailand, and China.

This was revealed today in Arusha during the tour of the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals, Msafiri Mbibo, in various stores selling gemstones and jewelry produced by the Tanzania Gemological Centre (TGC), at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).

Mr Mbibo visited the stores to inspect the decorative items being manufactured and sold at these two outlets.

During the visit, Mbibo also toured the construction site of TGC’s eight-story building, engaging with staff and encouraging them to conduct research and develop innovations that can enhance productivity and competitiveness.

ALSO READ: Tanzania resolves Amazonite gemstone mining dispute in Karatu

He highlighted the growing market competition driven by technological advances and expertise from countries experienced in mineral value addition, including India, Thailand, and China.

Mbibo further urged TGC employees to maintain integrity and a strong work ethic, despite minor challenges in their working environment. He emphasized the importance of maintaining proper records of work to facilitate easy reference and ensure efficient and effective performance.

The TGC, under the Ministry of Minerals and based in Arusha, provides training in value addition for gemstones and minerals across various disciplines, aiming to improve product quality and increase the economic value of the country’s mineral resources.