Dodoma, Tanzania – The Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania has overwhelmingly passed the Ministry of Minerals’ budget for the 2025/26 financial year, amounting to TZS 224.98 billion.
The approval underscores the government’s firm commitment to transforming the mining sector into a powerful engine for national economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.
Presenting the budget to Parliament on May 2, 2025, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said the funds will be used to strengthen institutional capacity, advance strategic mineral exploration, and accelerate development across the sector.
“Honourable Speaker, in order for the Ministry and its institutions to effectively implement their responsibilities, including the collection of TZS 1.4 trillion in revenue, I humbly request this House to approve the proposed budget of TZS 224.98 billion for the 2025/26 financial year,” said Mavunde.
According to the Minister, 55.38% of the budget—equivalent to TZS 124.6 billion—will be directed toward development projects designed to catalyze growth and investment in the mining sector.
The remaining 44.62% (TZS 100.3 billion) is allocated for recurrent expenditures, including TZS 24.2 billion for staff salaries and TZS 76.1 billion for other operational costs across the ministry and its affiliated institutions.
One of the flagship initiatives in the budget is the construction of a state-of-the-art geoscientific laboratory in Dodoma. The lab will enhance the country’s ability to analyze high-value minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel—critical inputs for clean energy and technology industries.
“We are laying a solid foundation for Tanzania to benefit from the growing global demand for strategic minerals. The modern lab will not only support in-depth geological analysis but also improve the accuracy and speed of mineral data collection,” Mavunde emphasized.
In a push toward technological advancement, the Ministry will also purchase a helicopter equipped with cutting-edge tools for airborne geophysical surveys. This is part of a broader effort to expand geological research coverage to 34% of Tanzania’s land area by 2026, through the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST).
The Minister also unveiled the “Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow” (MBT) program, which aims to boost the participation of women, youth, and people with special needs across the mining value chain.
“Inclusion is key to unlocking the full potential of our mineral wealth. Through MBT, we want to empower marginalized groups by providing access to training, equipment, and financial services,” said Mavunde.
Small-scale miners remain a top priority. The government will continue linking them to financial institutions for credit access, while also offering modern mining and processing technologies, designated mining areas, and technical training to enhance productivity.
Analysts say the approved budget reflects a strategic shift in Tanzania’s approach to resource governance. By investing in modern infrastructure, digitization, and human capital, the government is positioning the mining sector as a catalyst for broader socio-economic transformation.
“This is a forward-looking budget. If implemented effectively, it could not only boost revenues but also ensure more equitable benefits from the country's mineral resources,” commented mining analyst Dr. Fatma Malima of the University of Dodoma.
The Ministry is also set to roll out a digital monitoring and management system for the entire mining sector.
The platform aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and regulatory oversight—key elements in attracting responsible investors and curbing illicit mining practices.
As Tanzania prepares to align its mineral development strategy with Vision 2030, the new budget lays the groundwork for innovation-driven growth, inclusive participation, and long-term economic resilience.