Tanzania Roundup: Mining, human trafficking, first film awards

Tanzania urges enhanced African collaboration on mineral processing

The Africa Critical Minerals Summit held in Cape Town on November 7, 2024, saw Tanzania urging the need for enhanced collaboration among African nations to develop local processing and refining facilities for their mineral resources. Dr. Venance Mwasse, the CEO of the State Mining Corporation, highlighted the significance of performing cost-benefit analyses to identify prime locations for such facilities. He specifically mentioned the upcoming Kabanga Nickel smelter, in the country's Kagera region as a pivotal project to stimulate regional prosperity. Dr Mwasse also expressed optimism about Tanzania’s prospects to become a leader in critical minerals, with projections placing it as the sixth-largest graphite producer globally by 2050. He also called upon fellow African nations to fortify their state-owned mining corporations to achieve better national benefits and improve Africa's standing in the global mining industry.

Commencement environmental assessment concerning uranium mining project

Tanzania has commenced a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) concerning the Mkuju River uranium mining project, aimed at stimulating the economy. Deputy Minister for Minerals, Stephen Kiruswa, disclosed in Parliament on November 8, 2024, that this assessment will examine the Mikumi-Selous Game Reserve ecosystem, thereby ensuring adherence to ecological and legal regulations. Managed by Mantra Tanzania Limited, this project had faced delays due to low uranium prices but now stands to progress with recent price stabilisation. The SEA is expected to span six months, with its outcomes directing the project's subsequent phases. Kiruswa emphasised that the project holds significant economic advantages for the Namtumbo populace while concurrently upholding environmental protections.

Ranking on 2024 US Global Status Report on Human Trafficking 

Tanzania has achieved a Tier 2 ranking in the 2024 US Global Status Report on Human Trafficking, an acknowledgement of its enhanced measures against this pressing issue. Noteworthy actions affecting this advancement include the 2021 amendments to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, which now encompasses provisions for attempted trafficking, and the stricter penalties established in 2022 that escalated maximum prison sentences from 10 to 30 years. The country has successfully formed a national network against human trafficking, supported by a dedicated secretariat for coordination efforts. However, Tanzania continues to grapple with its status as both a source and a transit country for human trafficking, with approximately 171,000 individuals subjected to forced labour from 2021 to 2022. Victims predominantly fall prey to coercion and exploitation, with a notable 61% being women and girls.  

Targetted increase in diaspora remittances

Tanzania is pursuing a significant increase in diaspora remittances, setting a target of $1.5 billion by 2028, up from the current estimated level of $700 million. This initiative, introduced during a labour migration conference in Dar es Salaam, aims to connect with one million Tanzanian expatriates to double their annual remittance contributions. The government is intent on improving support services for Tanzanians abroad, providing better access to financial services and investment opportunities, alongside digitising identification and registration frameworks. 

Tanzania Film Awards

The forthcoming Tanzania Film Awards, set for December, will recognise and celebrate the contributions made by artists within the nation's film industry. This inaugural event, coordinated by the Tanzania Film Awards body, seeks to uplift quality, stimulate competition, and establish international standards for Swahili-language films. Executive Director Eliya Mjatta underscored the awards' potential to enhance the global presence of local productions by promoting cultural exchanges and attracting diverse audiences.