DAR ES SALAAM, Sept 11 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — TANZANIA stands on the brink of an industrial transformation that could unlock up to 11.7 billion US dollars (about 29tri/-) in additional annual revenue and create more than 25,000 new jobs.
The projection was revealed during a high-level CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt) dialogue held in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.
Themed “Manufacturing Africa: Minerals-to-Manufacturing Value Chains,” the session brought together industry leaders, senior policymakers, diplomats and strategic partners in Dar es Salaam to explore how Tanzania can move up the value chain by processing its vast mineral wealth locally rather than exporting raw materials.
The dialogue was anchored on a new UK-funded Manufacturing Africa study implemented by McKinsey & Company and BDO in collaboration with ASNL Advisory.
The report identified 14 high-impact investment opportunities across 11 minerals, including gold, graphite, rare earth elements, nickel, copper, cobalt, limestone and phosphates.
According to the study, Tanzania could greatly increase its economic returns and industrial competitiveness by producing value-added goods such as cement, ceramics, glass, refined gold, jewellery and battery minerals resources vital for the global shift to a green economy.
UK High Commissioner to Tanzania, Marianne Young, said the country is richly endowed with minerals that can transform its economy.
She reaffirmed her country’s support for Tanzania’s industrialisation ambitions through the mineral value chain.
“This dialogue comes at a decisive moment for Tanzania. With its vast mineral endowment, the country can become a manufacturing hub for the region and a strategic player in the global green economy,” she said.
“Through the Mutual Prosperity Partnership and the Manufacturing Africa initiative, the United Kingdom is committed to working with Tanzania’s private sector and government to turn this opportunity into sustainable jobs, inclusive growth and long-term prosperity,” she added.
She praised CEOrt for convening the discussion and urged continued engagement in supporting government efforts to industrialise.
CEOrt Chairman David Tarimo underscored the urgency of moving beyond raw mineral exports if Tanzania is to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
“Mining contributes around 10 per cent to Tanzania’s GDP, with gold alone accounting for nearly 80 per cent of our mineral exports. We see an opportunity to go beyond this and position Tanzania as a hub for processing industries targeting export markets,” said Tarimo.
He added that scaling domestic beneficiation would not only increase revenue but also position Tanzania as a regional manufacturing hub aligned with Africa’s green economy future.
“Our mineral wealth can power the next 25 years of growth in line with the 2050 Vision if value addition is prioritised,” he said.
During the discussion, CEOrt members, representing more than 200 private entities, called for investment-ready projects and strengthened public–private collaboration.
An interactive panel moderated by Ms Anna Rabin, Managing Director of Above Ground Advisory and Australia’s Honorary Consul to Tanzania, explored how the private sector could seize minerallinked manufacturing opportunities.
Participants pointed to rising regional and global demand for products like cement, jewellery, ceramics and battery components, urging policies that support value addition.
Tanzania Breweries Limited Board Chairman Leonard Mususa emphasised the need for bold action and bankable projects.
“Tanzania is well-positioned to attract investment in mineral-based industries, but to unlock this potential, we must focus on consistent policies and local enterprise development,” he said.
Acting Commissioner for Minerals in the Ministry of Minerals, Terence Ngole, reiterated the government’s commitment to partnerships that drive local beneficiation and diversification.
“With the global economy rapidly shifting toward green technologies powered by minerals like cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earths, Tanzania’s reserves are increasingly strategic,” he said.
He added that the government is working closely with the private sector to increase the mineral sector’s GDP contribution, reduce reliance on raw exports, expand industrial capacity and generate jobs for youth.
“We are proud of our continued partnership with CEOrt and determined to turn Tanzania’s mineral wealth into sustainable prosperity through local value addition and manufacturing,” Ngole said. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
