Tanzania Seeks Investment to Develop Mineral Value Chains and Expand Domestic Processing
Tanzania is stepping up efforts to develop its mineral value chains, expand domestic processing capacity and attract investment into mining-related projects. The government’s strategy aims to generate greater economic value from the country’s mineral resources by moving beyond the export of raw materials towards processing, refining and mineral-based manufacturing.
Tanzanian officials have emphasised the need for investors who can bring not only capital but also technology, technical expertise and access to international markets.
Five-Year Strategy to Promote Mineral Value Addition
One of the government’s key initiatives is the Mineral Value Addition Strategy for the 2026/27–2030/31 period.
The strategy is designed to strengthen domestic mineral processing, beneficiation and refining, while creating employment opportunities and expanding the participation of Tanzanian companies in mining supply chains.
Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa said the strategy would be implemented in collaboration with the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA).
The initiative is expected to support the development of mining-related industries and increase the economic benefits generated from Tanzania’s mineral resources.
Investment Opportunities in Graphite, Nickel and Critical Minerals
Tanzania has significant mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, tanzanite, ruby, graphite, nickel, rare earth elements, copper, lithium and uranium.
The government is seeking investors interested in more than mineral extraction, particularly companies willing to participate in processing plants, refining facilities, semi-finished product manufacturing and supporting industries.
At the Tanzania–European Union Investment and Business Forum in Helsinki in September 2026, officials from the Ministry of Minerals highlighted the need for capital, technology, technical expertise and access to global markets to develop the country’s mineral value chains.
Domestic processing of graphite, nickel and rare earth elements has emerged as an important area for potential international investment.
Expanding Geological Exploration to Identify New Deposits
Alongside mineral processing, Tanzania is planning to expand geological exploration to improve knowledge of its mineral resources.
The Ministry of Minerals has outlined plans for high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys across six priority areas. The surveys are intended to identify new mineral deposits, improve geological information and provide more reliable data for investment decisions.
Better geological data could help reduce early-stage exploration risks and encourage mining companies and investors to consider new projects in Tanzania.
Tanzania Mining and Investment Conference 2026
The seventh Tanzania Mining and Investment Conference (TMIC 2026) is scheduled to take place from November 19 to 21, 2026, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam.
The conference theme is “Value-Added Minerals: The Engine of Industrialisation and Economic Growth.”
The event is expected to bring together government representatives, mining companies, international investors, financial institutions, technology providers and mineral-processing businesses.
Key discussion areas will include:
- Investment in mineral processing and refining facilities.
- Development of downstream industries and higher-value mineral products.
- Financing mechanisms and risk reduction for mining projects.
- Energy and transport infrastructure for mining operations.
- Partnerships between Tanzanian businesses and international investors.
- New technologies and sustainable mining and processing methods.
Business and Investment Opportunities for Iranian Companies
Tanzania’s mineral value-addition agenda could create opportunities for Iranian companies operating in mining, industrial equipment, engineering and mineral-processing technologies.
Potential areas of cooperation include:
1. Mining machinery and equipment: Supplying extraction, crushing, milling, separation and material-handling equipment.
2. Processing and refining technology: Providing technical solutions for establishing or upgrading graphite, nickel, gold and other mineral-processing facilities.
3. Industrial equipment and consumables: Supplying spare parts, electrical and industrial control systems, refractory materials and chemicals used in mineral-processing plants.
4. Infrastructure and energy: Providing power equipment, backup energy systems, industrial water solutions and infrastructure required by processing facilities.
5. Engineering and consulting services: Offering feasibility studies, plant design, equipment installation, production-line commissioning and technical training.
Iranian companies interested in entering this market should assess opportunities at the individual project level and verify mining licences, infrastructure conditions, financing arrangements, local participation requirements and the applicable legal framework before making commercial commitments.
Conclusion
Tanzania’s focus on domestic mineral processing and investment across the mineral value chain is an important part of its industrialisation strategy.
The five-year mineral value-addition strategy, expanded geological exploration and the upcoming November 2026 mining investment conference highlight the growing importance of this sector in the country’s economic plans.
These developments could create opportunities for international suppliers and investors, including Iranian companies specialising in machinery, industrial equipment, processing technology and engineering services.
Turning these opportunities into commercial agreements will depend on identifying specific projects, conducting feasibility assessments and establishing direct partnerships with Tanzanian mining companies and investors.
Sources:
- Tanzania Ministry of Minerals, September–October 2026
- Daily News Tanzania, September 29, 2026
- Business Insider Tanzania, October 25, 2026
- Tanzania Embassy in Qatar, TMIC 2026 announcement, October 2026
