TANZANIA: TANZANIA is staking its claim as a rising star in the global extractive industry, a sector that fuels everything from the economy to Twitter debates about mining ethics.
With resources as vast as the Serengeti, Tanzania’s treasure trove of minerals, oil and gas is doing some heavy lifting for Gross domestic product (GDP), government coffers and job creation though not without some eyebrow-raising controversies.
At the heart of this sector lies the much-talked-about “transitional minerals,” hailed as the superheroes of clean energy.
But like every superhero movie, the extractive industry comes with its villains environmental concerns, governance headaches and debates about who gets the biggest slice of the mineral pie.
At the 2024 Extractive Sector Forum in Dodoma, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Dr Doto Biteko played both professor and stand-up comedian.
“Be open and share factual information,” he advised stakeholders. “Because misinformation spreads faster than a mining truck on a downhill slope!” On a serious note, Dr Biteko drew attention to a concerning trend: the rise of natural disasters like earthquakes.
“From nine cases in 1950 to 150 in 1990, it seems even the Earth is protesting. And frankly, who can blame it?” he joked, before urging the industry to prepare for seismic surprises.
Dr Biteko also took a swipe at global petroleum consumption disparities, noting, “The average American uses 22 barrels of oil a year, while the average African uses barely a few drops.
Someone, please tell them to share!.” These statistics, he explains, underscore the need for experts in the extractive sector to develop long-term strategies to respond to the increasing frequency of natural disasters in Africa.
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The forum’s theme, “The Extractive Sector, Sustainable Development and the Energy Transition in Tanzania,” set the tone for discussions about balancing growth and sustainability. Tanzania is on track to ensure the extractive industry contributes 10 per cent to GDP by 2025, Dr Biteko proudly announced.
He also boasted about Tanzania’s energy progress, particularly the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project. “At 99.21 per cent complete, it’s already generating 1,172 megawatts.
We’re so close to finishing, even the turbines are saying, ‘Hurry up!’” On another electrifying note, Tanzania’s power grid has expanded dramatically, with transmission networks stretching longer than your uncle’s wedding speech 7,745 kilometres, to be exact.
Small-scale miners shine bright Meanwhile, the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, emphasised empowering small-scale miners, who contributed a hefty 40 per cent of mining revenue last year.
“These folks are punching above their weight,” he said, “and with the right tools, they’ll turn Tanzania into a mining powerhouse. Just maybe without the mercury it’s not a recipe ingredient!” The government’s strategy includes unlocking the potential of critical minerals like graphite.
“Graphite might not sound glamorous, but it’s the Beyoncé of the clean energy world everyone needs it, but no one appreciates it enough,” quipped Mavunde.
International vibes at the Forum This year’s forum was more than a local affair. With participants from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and the DRC, the event has gone global. HakiRasilimali Board Chairperson Jimmy Luhende reflected, “Fifteen years ago, this forum was just a small gathering of Tanzanians.
Now, we’ve got a full house and not just because we’re serving great snacks!.” As Tanzania marches toward a future powered by its extractive sector, stakeholders left the forum with plenty to think about and perhaps a few laughs to share along the way.
One thing is clear: whether it’s minerals, megawatts, or a dash of humour, Tanzania is digging deep for success.
