TANZANIA’s mining sector had attained a 10.1 percent contribution level to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of last year.

Anthony Mavunde, the Minerals minister, said at a media briefing that this achievement comes a year ahead of the timeline under the 2009 Minerals Policy and the third five year development Plan, lending mid-2026, projected that the sector attains 10 percent of GDP by end of 2025.

Strategic reforms pursued since early 2021 enabled these achievements, he said, noting that in 2023, the mining sector contributed 9.1percent to GDP while at present it is registering 10.1 percent, “not just progress, but a transformative leap.”

Sweeping institutional and legal reforms have driven the sector’s growth, including introducing gemstone auctions and promoting transparency and fair pricing, enabling a marked increase in government revenue from mining activities.

Tightened controls to curb minerals smuggling, setting up official markets for minerals and purchasing centers nationwide. The Bank of Tanzania’s strategic involvement in gold purchases was strengthening the sector's integration into the formal economy, he said.

These measures have helped the government to realise economic and social development goals while improving investor confidence and formalizing a previously fragmented industry, he stated.

He praised various levels of participants in the industry, including miners, regulatory agencies, sector institutions and the ministerial secretariat, as cooperation and dedication had enabled the sector to reach the key milestone.

“We are here today because of a shared commitment to reform, efficiency and inclusive growth. Everyone involved in the mining value chain deserves recognition,” he declared.

With the sector now emerging as a top source of foreign exchange, job creation and community development, the government was seeking to foster a sustainable, transparent and profitable mining environment, he stated.

Current and prospective investors need to adhere to regulations under the Mining Act (Cap. 123), assured of the ministry’s support in conducting beneficial investments, he said.

The mining sector will have a solid role in advancing Tanzania’s Vision 2050, which positions natural resources as key enablers of national prosperity, he said, underlining that mining is not an auxiliary economic activity but it is life, wealth.

“It’s about empowering Tanzanians and building a future rooted in fairness, sustainability and opportunity,” he stared.

This achievement positions Tanzania as a regional leader in resource-based development and sets a precedent for how strategic reforms, when well-executed, can deliver transformative results, the minister added.