The government is set to introduce a new special license specifically for salt production, in a strategic move aimed at removing salt from the broader category of minerals and unlocking the full potential of Tanzania’s salt industry.
This development was announced in Dodoma by the Minister for Minerals,Anthony Mavunde, during a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Tanzania Salt Producers Association (TASPA).
The meeting focused on strengthening the mining sector by addressing key policy and operational challenges affecting salt producers.
Minister Mavunde said President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued clear directives to support and empower small-scale miners and salt producers to drive sustainable growth in the sector.
“The government has listened to your long-standing concerns. The introduction of a special salt production license will help lower operational costs, increase efficiency, and officially separate salt from the broader mineral classification,” he said.
He directed that the legal reform process begin immediately and called for regulatory amendments to reduce the annual license fee to TSh 20,000 per hectare, down from the current rate.
He emphasized that the government’s broader vision is to enable salt producers to scale up operations and eventually own and operate modern salt processing and refining plants.
“Our goal is to ensure that Tanzanian salt meets international quality standards and becomes more competitive both locally and globally,” he added.
Speaking during the meeting, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Eng. Yahaya Samamba, commended TASPA for its leadership in coordinating and advancing the interests of salt producers.
He pledged continued government collaboration in resolving challenges faced by stakeholders in the sub-sector.
TASPA Chairperson, Ms. Hawa Ghasia, thanked the government for its inclusive and consultative approach to policymaking.
She expressed her appreciation to President Samia for responding to the concerns of salt producers by facilitating the construction of a state-of-the-art salt refining plant in Lindi Region.
The plant, which is currently being developed by the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), is expected to significantly enhance the value and quality of locally produced salt.
This latest intervention marks a major step forward in the government’s commitment to industrialize the mining sector and support value addition for strategic minerals like salt.
It is also a clear demonstration of Tanzania’s determination to create a more enabling environment for local investors and producers to thrive.