Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Mirerani. The government has launched a geological survey covering 636 square kilometres in Mirerani to identify additional Tanzanite-bearing formations and create opportunities for increased production by small-scale miners.

The survey which began yesterday, will cover areas both inside and beyond the perimeter wall of the Mirerani Controlled Area, following directives issued by Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde during his visit to the mining area in August.

Launching the programme, Mr Mavunde said the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) would conduct magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic surveys to identify promising geological structures before the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) deploys drilling equipment to establish whether they contain commercially viable Tanzanite deposits.

He said the initiative was intended to provide miners with reliable geological information to guide investment decisions, particularly as mining operations increasingly extend to deeper underground levels.

‘A scientific question must be answered by science,’ Mr Mavunde said, emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring small-scale miners have accurate geological data before committing capital, equipment and labour.

He said GST had already reviewed existing geological information, previous survey findings and recent data, identifying several structures requiring further investigation.

GST Director Ally Samaje said the survey would combine different geophysical techniques to establish the characteristics and extent of rock formations associated with Tanzanite mineralisation. Some of the identified structures extend beyond the Mirerani Controlled Area and have geological characteristics similar to those of formations currently being mined. However, Mr Mavunde cautioned that the presence of Tanzanite in the areas could only be confirmed after the completion of geophysical surveys and subsequent drilling.

He directed STAMICO to deploy its drilling rigs and begin testing priority targets as they are identified by GST.

The minister said confirmation of additional mineralised areas could pave the way for opening new mining zones and expanding licensing opportunities for Tanzanians, particularly women and young people.

Simanjiro District Commissioner Fakii Lulandala said the programme could stimulate economic activity in Mirerani and the wider district by creating opportunities for small-scale miners, mineral traders and communities whose livelihoods depend on mining.

He pledged the district administration’s cooperation with institutions under the Ministry of Minerals to ensure effective implementation and that local communities benefit from the initiative.

Beyond Tanzanite, Mr Mavunde urged miners to diversify into other gemstones found in Simanjiro, particularly Tsavorite and Green Garnet, which he said offered significant commercial opportunities.

He noted that some varieties of the two gemstones command higher market prices than Tanzanite, presenting an opportunity for miners to broaden their investments instead of concentrating mainly on the country’s internationally recognised gemstone.

At Lemshuku, where small-scale miners are already producing Tsavorite and Green Garnet, Mr Mavunde directed GST to undertake further geological investigations to establish the extent of mineralised formations and identify opportunities for increasing production.

He said Tanzania’s gemstone potential should not be measured by Tanzanite alone, adding that diversifying production could create additional centres of mining, trading and investment across Simanjiro.

The Mirerani initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to accelerate geological exploration and improve the country’s understanding of its mineral resources.

Mr Mavunde said geological mapping had covered about 97 percent of Tanzania, while geochemical surveys had reached 84 percent and preliminary airborne geophysical surveys 100 percent. However, high-resolution geophysical surveys had covered only about 16 percent of the country.

The government is preparing another high-resolution airborne geophysical survey covering approximately 160,722 square kilometres, equivalent to about 18 percent of the country’s land area, to improve the availability of detailed geological information.

He said the expanded exploration programme was being supported by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to allocate 10 percent of mining-sector collections to mineral exploration.

Mirerani has been prioritised under the initiative, with the government seeking to use scientific findings to increase Tanzanite production and widen opportunities for small-scale miners.

Mr Mavunde said the government was also preparing measures to strengthen the Tanzanite trade, including addressing concerns affecting mineral traders, brokers, pricing and access to international markets.

He said the proposals would be discussed with stakeholders in Mirerani before decisions were made, emphasising the importance of involving players across the mineral value chain.

Small-scale miners in the area thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for government measures aimed at strengthening the mining sector, saying improved geological information could help them make better investment decisions and identify new mining opportunities.

The government is also promoting domestic gemstone cutting, polishing and other value-addition activities to ensure the country retains a greater share of the value generated from its mineral resources before they reach international markets.

Under the Mirerani programme, GST will identify priority geological targets, while STAMICO will undertake drilling to confirm mineralisation. The findings will inform decisions on whether mining activities can be extended to additional areas.

Morogoro. Tanzania has stepped up efforts to combat illicit financial flows by targeting high-risk sectors, including digital asset trading and real estate, while preparing institutions for the third national risk assessment scheduled for 2028.

Speaking during a five-day training workshop here on Monday, November 9, 2026, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Commissioner Majaba Magana said the 2028 assessment would review progress and identify gaps amid evolving criminal tactics.

He noted that previous assessments had identified real estate and digital assets as key vulnerabilities exploited by criminals to conceal proceeds of crime.

“Some criminals take advantage of peaceful countries like Tanzania to generate and launder illicit funds before financing criminal networks elsewhere,” said Mr Magana.

On digital assets, he said that despite their rapid global growth, the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework exposed the economy to risks.

The government had consequently initiated plans to establish legal frameworks for licensing and regulating service providers while protecting citizens.

Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Deputy Governor Sauda Msemo said preparations for the 2028 assessment required close collaboration between public and private institutions.

She noted that robust compliance systems strengthened investor confidence and enhanced international trade partnerships.

“Citizens must also be sensitised to the origins of illicit funds, which typically stem from corruption and theft before being integrated into formal financial systems,” said Ms Msemo.

Deputy Minister for Finance Mshana Munde said previous shortcomings had resulted from a lack of coordinated understanding among stakeholders rather than inadequate efforts.

He expressed optimism that ongoing capacity-building initiatives would improve information sharing and institutional cooperation ahead of 2028.

A representative of the Ministry of Finance, Permanent Secretary Nsubili Joseph, warned that money laundering undermined national financial stability and pushed up consumer prices.

He urged commercial banks and private institutions to actively identify and report suspicious transactions.

Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) Senior Expert Joseph Jagada cited resource constraints, legal delays and weak political commitment as common challenges across the region.

He commended Tanzania’s proactive approach, stressing that success ultimately depended on seamless collaboration across the justice chain, from investigations and prosecutions to court proceedings.

He cautioned that weaknesses at any stage could undermine the country’s overall efforts to combat money laundering.

Dar es Salaam. Small businesses are increasingly relying on reliable communication networks and digital payment services to reach customers, manage orders and streamline daily operations, according to entrepreneurs who showcased their businesses at a national exhibition in Kahama, Shinyanga Region.

Participants at the fifth Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) National Exhibition said access to affordable internet, mobile communication and digital financial services had become important in running businesses, promoting products and securing sales.

Nanzighe Mbwambo, who operates SECH Food, said affordable data and internet services had enabled her to reach customers through social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp and Google.

‘As an entrepreneur, internet has been a great help to my business because of the affordability of its bundles and data. Through the Wi-Fi I use, I can easily reach my customers on different online platforms,’ she said. She said she also relied on mobile internet to respond to customer enquiries, follow up on orders and coordinate product deliveries.

Airtel Business Director Joseph Vipond said reliable connectivity was essential for small businesses because it enabled entrepreneurs to maintain contact with customers and coordinate their activities.

‘Entrepreneurs need to communicate with customers, follow up on orders and coordinate their activities efficiently,’ he said, adding that services such as Airtel Chapakazi were intended to support businesses with their communication needs.

For entrepreneurs operating outside major commercial centres, network coverage is equally important.

Tito Miraji Mshana, who runs M Leather Mwanga Organic Leather in Usangi, Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region, said he used Airtel Money and Lipa Namba to receive payments from customers. He said digital payment services had simplified transactions, while reliable connectivity enabled him to remain in contact with customers and suppliers even when away from his business premises.

Mr Mshana also welcomed Airtel Tanzania’s investment in expanding network coverage, particularly in areas where communication services are important for business operations. Another entrepreneur, Sylvia Nchimbi from Dar es Salaam, said Airtel Lipa Namba had made receiving payments easier and safer by reducing the need to carry cash.

‘With Lipa Namba, I can receive payments more easily and feel safer because I do not have to carry cash,’ she said.

She added that convenient access to payments helped her obtain materials required for production and meet customer demand.

Footwear maker Nasiji Maundi also uses the service to receive and manage payments, citing its convenience and transaction charges as important considerations for her business.

Airtel Tanzania says it is continuing to invest in network expansion through the construction of additional communication towers to extend coverage to more communities, including areas beyond major commercial centres.

The experiences shared at the exhibition highlight the growing role of digital services in supporting small enterprises, particularly in connecting production with markets.

However, entrepreneurs also need access to capital, production equipment, raw materials and wider markets to increase output and expand their businesses.

Reliable connectivity and digital payments complement these requirements by helping business owners communicate with buyers, respond to orders, coordinate deliveries and receive payments.

The growing use of these services is making digital access an increasingly important component of small-business operations.

Dar es Salaam. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) and the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) have demonstrated how public institutions can partner to expand access to university education through targeted scholarships for financially disadvantaged students.

The two institutions jointly established the Ngorongoro Scholarship Fund, which has awarded scholarships to its first 14 beneficiaries, selected from 26 applicants seeking financial support to pursue higher education.

The beneficiaries were recognised on November 7, 2026, with the scheme allocating Sh70.6 million of its Sh100 million budget to finance their studies.

The students are pursuing courses in wildlife management, tourism, hospitality and other fields relevant to conservation and the development of the Ngorongoro area.

Speaking during the event, HESLB Executive Director Dr Bill Kiwia said the scholarship demonstrated the value of collective efforts in widening access to higher education, urging government institutions, companies, banks, organisations and individuals to establish similar initiatives.

He said financing university education should not be left to the government alone, particularly as demand for student loans and grants continues to increase.

‘Education is a long-term investment. When we enable one young person to get an education, we invest in their life, their family, their community and the future of our nation,’ he said.

Dr Kiwia challenged individuals to consider sponsoring at least three students annually, saying HESLB was ready to establish arrangements through which sponsors could finance beneficiaries and monitor their academic progress.

His appeal comes amid rising government expenditure on higher education loans and grants, with allocations increasing from Sh570 billion in the 2021/22 academic year, when 177,925 students benefited, to Sh787.4 billion in 2024/25, supporting 248,331 students.

The allocation subsequently rose to Sh916.7 billion in 2025/26 before reaching a record Sh1.06 trillion for the 2026/27 academic year, targeting 292,463 students.

While the growing allocations reflect government efforts to widen access to university education, the increasing number of beneficiaries also points to the need for complementary funding arrangements, including scholarships supported by public institutions and private organisations.

For students from disadvantaged communities, the challenge often goes beyond securing university admission, as financial constraints can prevent them from progressing beyond secondary education.

One of the scholarship beneficiaries, Pilangayo Kumiponye, who is pursuing Tourism Management and Hospitality at St Augustine University of Arusha, said financial difficulties had prevented many girls in her community from continuing their education after Form Four.

‘After Form Four, we remain at home because our parents do not have the money. Some of us end up getting married, not because that is what we want, but because life becomes difficult,’ she said, calling for similar scholarship opportunities to be extended to more girls.

Another beneficiary, Aden Mollel, who is studying Wildlife Management at Sokoine University of Agriculture, said the scholarship would enable students to acquire knowledge and skills that could contribute to wildlife conservation.

Ngorongoro Commissioner Dr Abdul-Razaq Badru said the scholarship reflected the authority’s responsibility to support conservation, tourism and the development of communities living within the protected area.

He said education was increasingly important in helping residents diversify their livelihoods, noting that livestock keeping alone could no longer provide a sufficient economic foundation for the community.

The Ngorongoro initiative offers a potential model for other public institutions, private companies and organisations to establish scholarships targeting students pursuing courses relevant to their operations and national development priorities.

Individual sponsors could also expand such opportunities by undertaking to finance one or more students annually, creating additional pathways for young people who might otherwise struggle to meet the costs of university education.

Such scholarships would complement government loans and grants by bringing additional resources into the higher education financing system and widening opportunities for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

For Dr Kiwia, the Ngorongoro scheme should go beyond supporting its first group of beneficiaries and demonstrate how shared responsibility can help prepare the next generation through education.

One editorial distinction is worth preserving: a scholarship is not the same as a student loan. The Ngorongoro scheme should consistently be described as a scholarship fund or scholarship programme, while HESLB’s wider financing arrangements should retain their appropriate terminology.