By Adonis Byemelwa
Arusha
Urban MP Mrisho Gambo (pictured) on October 18, 2024, called on
President Samia Suluhu Hassan to intervene in the Tanzanite gemstone trade,
urging the government to allow the sale of the rare gem in all mining markets
across Tanzania. Gambo emphasized that this would ensure the country’s natural
resources benefit all Tanzanians, not just a select few.
The
MP made the remarks during a meeting with small-scale brokers and gemstone
traders in Arusha. Participants expressed frustration over current regulations,
which they compared to the restrictive nature of illegal drug sales. Gambo
voiced confidence in President Samia’s leadership, describing her as a champion
of justice and free trade committed to ensuring that Tanzanians benefit from
their natural resources.
"Tanzanite
is a globally renowned gemstone, yet it’s puzzling that while gems from the
Democratic Republic of Congo can be sold at Arusha’s gemstone market,
Tanzanite, mined in Mererani, Manyara, is restricted from being traded freely
in the same market," Gambo said.
Since
the imposition of stricter regulations on Tanzanite sales, the gemstone’s value
has significantly dropped. Gambo cited statistics from the Tanzania Mining
Commission showing that in 2017-2018, 476,000 grams of Tanzanite were valued at
Sh55 billion. However, by 2022-2023, 23,000,015 grams were only valued at Sh56
billion, indicating a sharp decline in the gemstone’s worth.
"You
can see the direction this restrictive Tanzanite policy is taking the country.
It’s not just about jobs – look at the PSSF building where brokers once
thrived, and cutting machines were abundant. Now, it’s a shadow of what it used
to be," Gambo warned.
The
MP also criticized individuals pushing for these restrictive policies, accusing
them of causing losses to the nation due to personal interests. He called for a
review of the current regulations to better protect small, medium, and large
traders, arguing that the restrictions encourage smuggling and the emergence of
unscrupulous groups in the gemstone trade.
Globally,
Tanzanite holds a unique position as it is found only in Tanzania, specifically
in a small mining area at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Mererani. Its
vivid blue and violet hues have made it one of the most sought-after gemstones
in the world, commanding high prices in international markets. Jewelers and
collectors from around the globe value Tanzanite not only for its rarity but
also for its striking beauty, making it a symbol of Tanzania's rich mineral
wealth. However, despite its prestige on the world stage, Tanzanite has faced
challenges in local markets due to restrictive trade policies, which have
limited Tanzanians' ability to fully benefit from this national treasure.
By
addressing these issues, Gambo believes the Tanzanite industry could be
revitalized, boosting both local and national economies. He emphasized that
opening up the Tanzanite market nationwide would attract more traders and
investors, ultimately benefiting Tanzanians across the board.
Gambo
further stressed that globally, mining practices involve extracting minerals in
one location and selling them elsewhere, yet Tanzanite trade remains confined
to the mining area, stifling broader market opportunities.
Indeed,
the soft-spoken legislator expressed his desire for Tanzanite to be sold
nationwide without restrictions, arguing that the government’s efforts to
regulate licensing won’t help traders if they cannot access the gemstones.
"Just as Mount Kilimanjaro belongs to all Tanzanians, Tanzanite should not
be limited to one group – it should be sold across the country for the benefit
of all Tanzanians," Gambo declared.