Tanzania's government has invited Dutch investors to explore opportunities in the country's growing critical minerals sector, particularly in graphite and lithium. The Minister of State in the President's Office, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, made the call in The Hague, Netherlands, highlighting Tanzania's readiness to partner with investors across the mineral value chain. This initiative aims to promote responsible mineral development, value addition, processing, and manufacturing.
Prof Mkumbo emphasized that Tanzania's objective is not simply to export minerals as raw materials but to integrate into global value chains. He cited the country's strategic geographical position, expanding infrastructure, and access to markets in East and Southern Africa as strong foundations for investors. These factors provide a solid base for establishing production and processing operations in Tanzania.
The government is particularly interested in partnerships that can help Tanzania move further up the mineral value chain while creating jobs and facilitating the transfer of skills and technology. Prof Mkumbo stated that the future of mining must be about value addition, sustainability, and shared prosperity. This approach will enable Tanzania to maximize the economic benefits of its natural resources.
Tanzania is endowed with significant mineral resources, including gold, graphite, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements. These resources are increasingly important to the global energy transition and modern industries. Prof Mkumbo encouraged investors to explore opportunities in mineral processing, manufacturing, and other downstream activities beyond extraction.
Greater value addition will enable Tanzania to strengthen its industrial capacity, expand employment opportunities, and increase its participation in international markets. Prof Mkumbo highlighted that Tanzania has the resources, location, and market access needed to turn these advantages into productive investments. The government is seeking partnerships that can help achieve this goal.
The government has been working to improve the business and investment climate by simplifying services for investors and creating conditions that enable the private sector to play a leading role in economic transformation. Prof Mkumbo cited Tanzania's peace and political stability, abundant natural resources, and strategic position in East and Southern Africa as key factors enhancing the country's attractiveness as an investment destination.
The meeting in The Hague was part of Tanzania's European investment promotion roadshow, which began in Helsinki, Finland, on September 28, 2026. The mission also included stops in Italy and the Netherlands, and is part of preparations for the Tanzania-European Union Business and Investment Forum, expected to take place in Dar es Salaam in 2027. Through the roadshow, Tanzania seeks to deepen engagement with European businesses, attract new capital and technology, and turn investment discussions into tangible projects that support industrialization, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
Key points
- Tanzania seeks partnerships with Dutch investors to add value to its critical minerals.
- The country aims to move beyond exporting raw materials and integrate into global value chains.
- Tanzania's government is working to improve the business and investment climate to attract investors.
