DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is celebrating 63 years of independence and as the country moves towards harnessing its mineral wealth for national prosperity, the government has unveiled a bold strategy under its “Vision 2030” initiative.
The vision, “Vision 2030: Minerals for Life and Wealth,” was announced by the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, during the Tanzania Mining and Investment Forum 2023, signalling a new chapter in Tanzania’s mining sector development.
Mavunde recalled that the mining sector can potentially transform Tanzanians’ lives by boosting incomes, creating jobs and spurring economic growth.
“We believe that by effectively utilising our mineral resources, we can improve the livelihood of our people. Mining is not just an industry but a vital tool for poverty alleviation and long-term economic sustainability,” he remarked.
The central theme of Vision 2030 focuses on leveraging Tanzania’s vast mineral resources to create lasting wealth and improve livelihoods. The initiative aims to deepen integration between the mining sector and other key areas of the economy, such as agriculture, industry and technology. This interconnected approach is expected to produce a multiplier effect that promotes sustainable development across the country.
Geoscience information is the bedrock of Vision 2030, thus enhancing the government’s ambitious plan to conduct an in-depth geophysical survey throughout the country.
Mavunde said the Ministry of Minerals looks forward to undertaking a “High-Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey” by 2030, covering large swathes of the country to collect critical data on mineral deposits.
Emphasising its necessity, he stated that “high resolution surveys that could produce reliable data were done for 25 per cent of the total area of the country for geochemical surveys and 16 per cent for High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Surveys”
“To truly unlock the potential of our natural resources, we must first understand where they are located and the available amount. This modern geophysical survey will provide us with the necessary geological information which will help in discovering new deposits and pave the way for more mining projects,” he said.
This data is expected to identify new mineral reserves potentials and help streamline mining operations, from exploration to extraction.
In doing so, Tanzania will position itself as a more attractive destination for both local and international investors, fostering partnerships and bringing in the capital needed to scale the industry, said Mavunde.
One of Vision 2030’s overarching goals is to attract increased foreign and domestic investment into Tanzania’s mining sector.
Mavunde underscored that the availability of reliable geological data would accelerate investments in mineral exploration and reduce the risks involved for companies.
“With a wealth of minerals such as nickel, graphite, gold and rare earth elements, the country stands to gain significantly from improved exploration efforts,” he said.
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Skills, research, development and innovation are also important pillars in ensuring proper exploitation of the mineral resources. To foster sector growth its potential is heavily reliant on a well-educated and skilled workforce with capacity to capture and efficiently utilise all possible opportunities, Mavunde stressed.
Further, Vision 2030 seeks to bridge the mining sector with other sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and manufacturing. By using minerals as raw materials for industries like fertiliser production, electronics and automotive battery manufacturing, Tanzania hopes to create value-added industries that will generate more jobs, foster innovation and economic growth.
The minister said Vision 2030 is about “unlocking the full potential of our mineral wealth for the benefit of every Tanzanian, while ensuring the sustainability of our resources for future generations.”
He said the Ministry of Minerals aims to make the mining sector contribute up to 10 percent of the country’s GDP by 2025, as outlined in Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2025.
