The Tanzanian government is working to create an enabling environment for women to participate in the mineral sector, from exploration and mining to trading, value addition, and service provision. Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, emphasized the government's commitment to empowering women during the 2026 Mining Queens Awards Ceremony in Geita Region. The initiative aims to increase women's involvement in the sector beyond participation in mining activities.
The government's approach goes beyond issuing mining licenses to citizens; it seeks to ensure that licenses translate into productive mining operations, businesses, employment, and income for local communities. Dr. Kiruswa noted that owning a mining license does not guarantee a successful operation, and women and small-scale miners require technology, business knowledge, access to markets and capital, and safety awareness.
In Geita, 714 women have joined groups and received small-scale mining licenses, marking progress in women's participation in the sector. The government has set aside mining areas and issued licenses to women to help them transition from participants to owners of mining operations, producers, traders, and investors. This development provides an opportunity for women to take a more direct role in the ownership and development of mineral resources.
However, Dr. Kiruswa stressed that licensing is only the beginning, and the government is building the capacity of women and small-scale miners in essential areas, including technology, business management, and environmental management. The goal is to help women turn mining opportunities into productive and sustainable businesses. The government is also working to provide women with opportunities in the mining sector, with the ambition of seeing them advance from participants to mine owners and large-scale producers.
The State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) is supporting the government's efforts to empower women in the mining sector. STAMICO's Executive Director, Dr. Venance Mwasse, said the corporation would continue to provide women with the knowledge, technology, and support needed to improve productivity and expand their activities. STAMICO aims to work with the government and other stakeholders to create a conducive environment for women to develop their mining operations.
The Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA) has played a crucial role in promoting women's interests in the mining sector. TAWOMA Chairperson, Semeni Malale, thanked the government and STAMICO for measures taken to empower women to own and operate mining activities. Malale emphasized the need for cooperation among the government, STAMICO, and TAWOMA to increase women's participation in the sector and provide access to technology, capital, and markets.
The partnership between the government, STAMICO, and TAWOMA provides a framework for women miners to pursue greater participation across the mineral value chain. The 2026 Mining Queens Awards Ceremony recognized women's participation and achievements in the mining sector, with Asha Msangi being crowned Mining Queen 2026. The event highlighted the opportunities available to women in the industry and the government's commitment to empowering them.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government is working to empower women to participate fully in the country's mineral value chain.
- The government has set aside mining areas and issued licenses to women to help them transition from participants to owners of mining operations.
- STAMICO is supporting the government's efforts to empower women in the mining sector by providing knowledge, technology, and support.
