THE Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) urged investors to place greater confidence in local companies that demonstrate the capacity to expand beyond national borders, citing them as key drivers of the country’s economic transformation and global competitiveness.

Gilead Teri, TIC executive director made the remarks in Dar es Salaam during the official launch and signing ceremony for the Nesch Mintech Arabia analytical hub, a modern mineral testing facility to be built in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

He applauded the milestone agreement between Nesch Mintech Private Limited of Tanzania and New Future Mining Company (NFMC) of Saudi Arabia, describing it as a major achievement for the country’s industrial diplomacy and proof of the growing credibility of Tanzanian expertise on the global stage.

 “As TIC, we are pleased to see a company that was nurtured and born in Tanzania reaching the level of making investments in collaboration with partners from Saudi Arabia,” he said.

 Teri further assured that the government will continue to protect, support and nurture investors in order to sustain the mining sector’s contribution to national development, noting that the industry currently accounts for approximately 10 percent of the GDP.

The newly announced hub will be a state-of-the-art mineral testing and analysis laboratory located in Jeddah, developed through a strategic partnership between the two firms.

According to Nesch Mintech’s managing director, Happiness Nesvinga, the lab will operate under internationally certified standards and is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

 “The collaborations will further position Tanzania as a trusted player on the international stage and expand opportunities for investment back home,” he stated. Nesvinga emphasised that the hub is designed to deliver advanced geochemical and metallurgical services, driving innovation and strengthening technical excellence across borders. “Today marks the formal signing of a significant contract for the provision of technical services in the start-up and operation of this facility,” he added.

 Nesvinga also confirmed that while the lab will be based in Saudi Arabia, Nesch Mintech will continue to offer its services within Tanzania, particularly through the planned Nesch Mintech Arabia joint laboratory in Dar es Salaam. He highlighted multiple benefits of the initiative, including technology transfer, job creation, and positioning Tanzania as a regional centre of excellence in mineral science. “This laboratory will not only support our international operations but also enhance our local capacity to serve the mining sector across East Africa,” he said.

NFMC chief executive officer, Mohammedi Alomoudi said the analytical hub will be equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation and designed to meet both regional and international demands.

“We strongly believe this hub will accelerate the development of local capabilities, generate new employment opportunities, and contribute to the scientific and industrial advancement of our mining ecosystem,” he said. Alomoudi stressed that the project reflects a shared commitment to quality, sustainability and knowledge transfer.