Tanzania and Malawi launch strategic mining sector initiatives

Tanzania and Malawi are implementing strategic initiatives to expand their mining sectors and drive economic growth.

In Tanzania, the government has launched a major mineral exploration project funded entirely by domestic revenues. Following a decision by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, 10 per cent of non-tax mining revenues are now allocated to geoscientific research. Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde stated that the initiative aims to increase the area covered by high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys from the current 16 per cent to at least 50 per cent by 2030. This data is intended to assist both large-scale and small-scale miners by providing accurate scientific information to guide exploration.

Meanwhile, Malawi is targeting $30 billion in mining exports by 2040. According to a World Bank Group report, the country aims to leverage deposits of uranium, graphite, rare earth elements, rutile, and niobium to diversify its economy beyond tobacco. The plan seeks to attract $3.6 billion in private investment and create thousands of jobs. To overcome obstacles such as unreliable electricity and infrastructure deficits, the World Bank plans to support a mineral value chains project with approximately $70 million in financing to improve geological data collection and licensing administration.