FIFTEEN international companies have expressed interest in investing in the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a newly designated industrial hub established on the grounds of the former Buzwagi Gold Mine in Shinyanga Region, which ceased operations in 2019.

Speaking to journalists yesterday under the government’s public communication initiative coordinated by the Information department,  Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Mboni Mhita said the SEZ is part of a strategic move to revive the local economy and restore the financial activity that once thrived during the mine’s operation.

“This initiative will create new job opportunities, open up markets for local products, and integrate small businesses into value chains,” Mhita explained. “Already, Kahama District has secured World Bank funding for the construction of tarmac roads to support the area’s development.”

The Buzwagi Economic Zone is being developed with modern infrastructure, including an on-site power generation facility to support industrial activities within the zone.

According to Mhita, East Africa Conveyers Service has already commenced operations in the zone, while four other companies are in the final stages of securing licenses and have registered their projects with the National Environment Management Council (NEMC). Additionally, Kabanga Nickel, a strategic investor in the mining sector, is also setting up operations within the SEZ.

Following the closure of the gold mine, the site was returned to government control. Recognising its previous contribution to regional economic growth, authorities in Shinyanga decided to transform the site into a special investment zone focused primarily on mining and allied industries. It is now formally recognised as the Buzwagi Economic Zone.

“Kahama is a vital commercial gateway to five neighbouring countries—Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya,” the RC noted. “This provides a significant economic opportunity for our people.”

In addition to the SEZ, the region is advancing work on a new state-of-the-art bus terminal in Kahama, aimed at improving transport links with neighbouring regions and countries.

Commissioner Mhita also highlighted that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which passes through Isaka in Msalala District Council, will be supported by two planned inland container depots to streamline cargo movement to regional markets.

Since the beginning of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Sixth Phase Administration, Shinyanga Region has received over TZS 1.563 trillion to implement development projects across key sectors including health, education, transport, water, energy, mining, agriculture, livestock, industry, trade, economic empowerment, and other strategic initiatives.