TISEZA visits Buzwagi SEZ, hails mine closure process
SHINYANGA: TANZANIA Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) has applauded Barrick for its professionalism and adherence to international standards in the process of closing its Buzwagi Mine and particularly in transforming the closed mine into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) which will pave the way for economic opportunities in the country.
The delegation from TISEZA, led by its Director General, Mr Gilead John Teri, paid a working visit yesterday and expressed satisfaction with the entire mine closure process.
While at the site, Mr Teri received a briefing on the various types of investments within the Buzwagi (SEZ) and inspected several areas designated for investors interested in operating within the zone. He also visited a conveyor manufacturing factory that has already commenced production which provides opportunities.
Speaking during the official visit, Mr Teri hailed Barrick for collaborating with various government institutions in successfully closing the mine by adhering to international standards and for opening up strategic economic opportunities through the establishment of industries and business ventures.
“I commend Barrick for ensuring the mine was professionally closed. I also take this opportunity to thank the SEZ Implementation Committee for working hand in hand with various authorities to help realise the government’s goal of utilising this area strategically to deliver positive outcomes for the nation,” said Teri.
Teri also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing promotion of the area, which highlights the available opportunities and outlines the government’s plans to offer services through a One-Stop Centre model.
For his part, the BarrickBuzwagi Mine Closure Manager, Engineer Zonnastral Mumbi, stated that the Buzwagi SEZ area has already been officially registered by the government for its new purpose. Once complete, it is expected to stimulate economic growth and employment for Tanzanian youth.
Additionally, Mumbi informed the delegation that so far 19 investors have expressed interest in investing in the SEZ, with five investors already undergoing the registration process, and one investor having already commenced production.
She noted that while it is in the final stages of closing, the Buzwagi Gold mine is eyeing to become a cornerstone for industrial transformation in Tanzania’s Lake Zone, attracting domestic and foreign investments as well creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and industrial stakeholders.
Mumbi emphasized the importance of sustainable mining practices and community engagement, particularly in transforming the closed Buzwagi mine into a Special Economic Zone.
Recently, Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, Mboni Mhita, urged on TISEZA to intensify efforts in promoting the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone project, which is expected to be a major driver of economic development for the region and the country at large.
RC Mhita also noted that Shinyanga is ready to host investors due to its conducive environment provided by the government, and the region’s abundance of key investment resources, including land, water, electricity, modern infrastructure such as roads, Shinyanga and Kahama airports, telecommunications networks, and a potential labor force.
Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) the new Authority, which was formed through the merger of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) under the Investment and Special Economic Zones Act No. 6 of 2025.
The establishment of the TISEZA marks a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline investment services and enhance the coordination and development of Special Economic Zones.
