‘Don’t impose unfriendly procurement terms on local suppliers’
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Mining Suppliers and Service Providers Association (TAMISA) has warned that some foreign investors in the country’s mining sector are failing to prioritise Tanzanians in employment and are imposing procurement conditions unfriendly to local suppliers.
TAMISA Chairperson Mr Peter Kumalilwa said the purpose of inviting investors into the mining sector is to ensure Tanzanians benefit directly from the country’s natural resources.
This, he added, should be achieved through employment opportunities, local procurement contracts, and broader participation of Tanzanians in mining activities.
“Unfortunately, some investors are unjustifiably violating local content guidelines by awarding tenders to firms without local ownership and imposing procurement conditions that discourage local suppliers. Such practices are unacceptable and must stop,” Mr Kumalilwa said.
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He noted that TAMISA continues to receive reports of companies flouting these guidelines, which undermine the spirit of Tanzanians to fully participate in building the national economy as intended by law. TAMISA has vowed to oversee compliance with legal and government directives, pledging to take firm action against any company or individual found in violation.
“We will not hesitate to report offenders to the relevant authorities,” Mr Kumalilwa said.
He reminded stakeholders that local participation in mining is not a political matter but a national policy, firmly supported and enforced by the government.
Tanzanians are expected to benefit economically from the ownership and utilisation of the country’s natural resources. Mr Kumalilwa cited remarks by Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba on January 14th, this year, who stressed that all services that can be provided by Tanzanians should indeed be provided by Tanzanians.
“TAMISA fully supports the government and will work closely with the Ministry of Minerals, the Mining Commission, and all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Local Content policy and fight preferential practices that hinder sectoral and national development,” he said.
He also praised Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, for promoting meaningful Tanzanian participation in the growth and development of the mining sector. TAMISA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Japhet Mussa, said the association will continue to serve as a strong voice for local participation in mining, which remains a leading contributor to the national economy.
“Through unity, we will strengthen our capacity to build a national economy anchored on our own natural resources,” Mr Mussa said, urging Tanzanians involved in the sector to join TAMISA and collaborate in advancing the industry.
“TAMISA has been working hand in hand with the government and stakeholders to ensure the mining sector grows while creating more opportunities for Tanzanians, thus contributing to national economic growth,” he added.
He called on mining service providers and suppliers to unite under TAMISA, describing it as a platform for strength, collective voice, and defending the interests of local players.
“Together, we will continue to uphold the principle that minerals are life and wealth, and must only be extracted for the benefit of Tanzanians and their economy,” Mr Mussa concluded.
