The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals has called on the Government of Tanzania to intensify efforts in the implementation of development projects under the Ministry of Minerals, emphasizing the need to ensure tangible benefits for citizens while significantly boosting the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
The call reflects growing recognition of the mining sector as a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economic transformation agenda, as well as the need for robust governance frameworks to maximize its potential.
Presenting the Committee’s recommendations in Parliament on April 27, 2026, the Vice Chairperson of the Committee, Simon Lusengekile, underscored the critical importance of effective planning, execution, and oversight of all mining-related development projects.
He stressed that the success of these initiatives depends largely on their timely completion and adherence to acceptable quality standards, which in turn determines their overall impact on economic growth and public welfare.
According to Lusengekile, the Government must prioritize a more structured and results oriented approach to project management within the mining sector. He argued that without proper coordination and monitoring, even well-funded projects risk underperforming or failing to deliver expected outcomes.
This observation aligns with broader governance concerns across developing economies, where inefficiencies in project implementation often undermine development gains.
The Ministry must ensure that all projects are executed with the highest level of diligence and in alignment with the national development vision for the mining sector, Lusengekile emphasized.
His remarks highlight the necessity of integrating sector-specific initiatives into Tanzania’s overarching development frameworks, ensuring coherence between policy objectives and on-the-ground implementation.
A central theme of the Committee’s recommendations is the allocation of adequate resources to mining projects. Lusengekile pointed out that financial constraints remain a major bottleneck in the successful execution of many development initiatives. He urged the Government to commit sufficient budgetary resources while also exploring innovative financing mechanisms to sustain long-term investments in the sector.
Beyond funding, the Committee emphasized the importance of strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems. Effective oversight mechanisms, Lusengekile noted, are essential for tracking progress, identifying challenges, and ensuring accountability at all stages of project implementation.
Enhanced monitoring not only improves efficiency but also builds public trust by demonstrating that resources are being utilized responsibly.
The Committee further observed that strong project management practices would lead to improved service delivery within the mining sector.
This includes better infrastructure, streamlined regulatory processes, and enhanced support for both large-scale and small-scale mining operations. Such improvements are expected to create a more conducive environment for investment while also ensuring that local communities benefit from mining activities.
Particular attention was given to the role of strategic, large-scale projects aimed at increasing the value of Tanzania’s mineral resources.
The Committee noted that the country possesses significant deposits of minerals, yet much of the value is lost when raw materials are exported without adequate processing. To address this challenge, the Government has been encouraged to prioritize value addition through local beneficiation initiatives.
In this context, the Committee strongly advocated for increased investment in modern technologies for mineral processing and refining. By adopting advanced technological solutions, Tanzania can enhance the quality and competitiveness of its mineral products in global markets.
Moreover, value addition within the country has the potential to generate employment, stimulate industrial growth, and increase export revenues.
The push for technological advancement also reflects a broader shift toward knowledge
based economic development. As global mining practices become increasingly sophisticated, countries that fail to adopt modern technologies risk falling behind.
The Committee’s recommendations therefore position Tanzania to remain competitive while ensuring sustainable exploitation of its natural resources.
Another key aspect highlighted in the Committee’s report is the importance of stakeholder collaboration. The mining sector involves a diverse range of actors, including government institutions, private investors, local communities, and international partners. Lusengekile emphasized that effective cooperation among these stakeholders is essential for achieving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in project implementation.
Enhanced stakeholder engagement can also help address social and environmental concerns associated with mining activities. By involving local communities in decision making processes, the Government can ensure that development projects are inclusive and responsive to the needs of affected populations. This approach not only reduces potential conflicts but also promotes shared ownership of development outcomes.
Transparency and accountability were identified as critical pillars for the success of the mining sector. The Committee urged the Government to strengthen governance systems to prevent mismanagement and ensure that revenues generated from mining activities are utilized for national development. This includes improving reporting mechanisms, enforcing regulatory compliance, and adopting best practices in resource management.
The Committee’s recommendations come at a time when Tanzania is actively pursuing economic diversification and industrialization. The mining sector, with its vast resource base, is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives. However, realizing this potential requires a strategic approach that balances resource extraction with value addition, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
Lusengekile reiterated that the success of the mining sector ultimately depends on three key factors: strong governance, adequate investment, and the adoption of modern technologies. These elements are interconnected and must be addressed simultaneously to create a resilient and productive sector.
From a policy perspective, the Committee’s observations align with Tanzania’s long-term development vision, which emphasizes the transformation of the economy into a middle-income, industrialized nation. The mining sector, if properly managed, can serve as a catalyst for achieving this vision by generating revenue, creating jobs, and supporting the growth of other industries.
The emphasis on value addition is particularly significant, as it represents a shift from traditional extractive practices toward more sustainable and inclusive economic models. By processing minerals locally, Tanzania can retain a larger share of the value chain, thereby increasing national income and reducing dependency on raw material exports.
In addition to economic benefits, the Committee’s recommendations also have implications for human capital development. The adoption of modern technologies and advanced processing techniques will require a skilled workforce, creating opportunities for education and training in specialized fields. This, in turn, contributes to the broader goal of building a knowledge-based economy.
Environmental sustainability was also implicitly addressed in the Committee’s call for improved project management and technological adoption. Modern mining technologies often incorporate more efficient and environmentally friendly practices, reducing the ecological impact of resource extraction. By prioritizing such technologies, Tanzania can ensure that its mining activities are aligned with global sustainability standards.
Furthermore, the Committee highlighted the importance of aligning mining projects with national development priorities. This includes ensuring that projects contribute to infrastructure development, regional integration, and poverty reduction. By adopting a holistic approach, the Government can maximize the socio-economic benefits of the mining sector.
The call for stronger oversight also reflects a broader commitment to good governance. Effective supervision of development projects not only improves performance but also deters corruption and inefficiency. This is particularly important in resource-rich sectors, where large financial flows can create opportunities for mismanagement.
In conclusion, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals has presented a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s mining sector. Through enhanced project management, increased investment, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration, the sector can become a powerful driver of national development.
The Government’s response to these recommendations will be critical in determining the future trajectory of the mining sector. By implementing the proposed measures, Tanzania has the opportunity to transform its mineral wealth into a sustainable source of prosperity for its citizens.
Ultimately, the Committee’s message is clear: the success of the mining sector is not guaranteed by the mere presence of natural resources. Rather, it depends on how effectively those resources are managed, processed, and integrated into the broader economy.
With the right policies and practices in place, Tanzania can unlock the full potential of its mineral wealth and achieve long-term, inclusive growth.
Abdul Ramadhani Tanzania
