ARUSHA-Deputy Minister of Minerals, Honorable Dr. Steven Kiruswa (MP), has laid out five key directives aimed at enhancing the role of Tanzanians in the country's burgeoning mining sector. 
These instructions were delivered during the closing ceremony of the Third Local Content Compliance Forum in the Mining Sector, held in Arusha.
These instructions were delivered during the closing ceremony of the Third Local Content Compliance Forum in the Mining Sector, held in Arusha.
Dr. Kiruswa emphasized the need for Tanzanians to develop skills that align with the industrial job market.
He highlighted Tanzania's open-door policy for investment in mining, stressing the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to realize Vision 2030’s strategies of “Madini ni Maisha na Utajiri.”
“The construction of industries in mines requires more than just starting up. It necessitates equipping Tanzanians with the necessary skills,” Dr. Kiruswa asserted. “I call for the establishment of industries to go hand in hand with building capacity for Tanzanians.”
Dr. Kiruswa’s second directive to mining investors was to sponsor their employees' training abroad to enhance their capabilities. He also urged educational institutions to collaborate with industrial investors in developing curricula that meet market demands.
Another significant order was the establishment of special exchange programs with other countries to build local expertise.
Dr. Kiruswa stressed the importance of providing practical training opportunities for college students within industrial settings to enhance their knowledge and skills.
The Deputy Minister assured that the government would continue to improve the investment climate to attract more investments, particularly in the industrial sector of mining products.
He underscored the importance of the Third Local Content Compliance Forum’s theme, 'Investment in the Manufacturing Industries of Mining Products for Sustainable Development,' as a platform for stakeholders to address challenges and stimulate investment.
“I hope there will be significant changes in the participation of Tanzanians as license holders and service providers in the Mining Sector,” Dr. Kiruswa remarked.
Earlier in the forum, the Executive Secretary of the Mining Commission, Engineer Yahya Samamba, revealed that seven topics were presented over the course of the event, which began on May 22, 2024.
The discussions aimed at establishing local factories to ensure all necessary mining products are available within Tanzania.
Engineer Samamba noted the current progress, with Tanzanians occupying 84 percent of opportunities in the Mining Sector, aiming for 100 percent in the coming years.
He identified the main challenge as the reliance on imported raw materials and emphasized the opportunity to build factories domestically, using modern technologies and locally sourced products.
“The government and individuals must collaborate to fulfill the VISION 2030 agenda,” he urged. “We need to intensify efforts in 'Local Content and CSR' to ensure more Tanzanians benefit from the Mining Sector.”
The forum also recognized various stakeholders for their contributions, awarding them trophies and certificates from the Mining Commission.