Tanzania woos Dutch investors for critical minerals value addition

HAGUE: THE government welcomed Dutch investors to tap into Tanzania’s growing opportunities in critical minerals, particularly graphite, lithium as the country seeks to move from exporting raw materials to processing and manufacturing.

Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo made the call in the Hague, Netherlands, recently, saying Tanzania was ready to partner with investors seeking opportunities across the mineral value chain.

“Our objective is not simply to export minerals as raw materials. We want to promote responsible mineral development, value addition, processing and manufacturing, and integrate Tanzania into global value chains,” Prof Mkumbo said.

He said Tanzania’s strategic geographical position, expanding infrastructure and access to markets in East and Southern Africa provide a strong foundation for investors seeking to establish production and processing operations in the country.

Prof Mkumbo said the government was particularly interested in partnerships that could help Tanzania move further up the mineral value chain while creating jobs and facilitating the transfer of skills and technology.

“For us, the future of mining must be about value addition, sustainability and shared prosperity,” he said.

Tanzania is endowed with significant mineral resources, including gold, graphite, nickel, copper and rare earth elements, many of which are increasingly important to the global energy transition and modern industries.

Prof Mkumbo said the government was therefore encouraging investors to look beyond extraction and explore opportunities in mineral processing, manufacturing and other downstream activities.

He said greater value addition would enable the country to maximise the economic benefits of its natural resources by strengthening industrial capacity, expanding employment opportunities and increasing Tanzania’s participation in international markets.

“Tanzania has the resources, the location and the market access. What we need is to build partnerships that can turn these advantages into productive investments,” he said.

Prof Mkumbo also highlighted the government’s continued efforts to improve the business and investment climate by simplifying services for investors and creating conditions that enable the private sector to play a leading role in economic transformation.

He cited Tanzania’s peace and political stability, abundant natural resources and strategic position in East and Southern Africa as key factors enhancing the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

The meeting in The Hague was part of Tanzania’s European investment promotion roadshow, which began in Helsinki, Finland, on September 28, 2026, before proceeding to Italy and the Netherlands.

The mission is also part of preparations for the Tanzania-European Union Business and Investment Forum, expected to take place in Dar es Salaam in 2027.

Through the roadshow, Tanzania seeks to deepen engagement with European businesses, attract new capital and technology and turn investment discussions into tangible projects that support industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth.