GEITA GOLD MINING LIMITED, NATIONAL ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT COUNCIL CAPACITATE LOCAL BUSINESSES

Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) Managing Director, Richard Jordinson delivering his speech during the training. Translating his Speech is GGML Community Affairs Manager Joseph Mangilima.

Executive Secretary of the National Economic Empowerment Council of Tanzania (NEEC), Ms. Beng’i Issa.

In a bid to impart relevant knowledge and skills to entrepreneurs in the region, Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) has funded a special capacity-building program for Geita entrepreneurs.

The program, which is coordinated by the National Economic Empowerment Council of Tanzania (NEEC), is a result of an agreement signed between GGML and NEEC on July 20, 2020. It partly focuses on GGML’s business procurement standards.

Speaking during the official launch of the training at the External Processing Zones Authoritypremises in Geita, The GGML Managing Director, Richard Jordinson said the company aspires to improve competitiveness and participation of Geita vendors by building their capacity to understand and correctly comply with necessary criteria on eligibility for supplying goods and/or services to the mining and othersectors.

He added that the training was an affirmation of GGML’s commitment to the sustainable development of the communities surrounding the mine.

“We have continuously demonstrated this by actively partnering with the Government in improving social services including education, health, water and roads as well as other economic activities for the community surrounding the mine,”said Jordinson.

He added that with a budget of TZS 1.3 billion, the program targets 500 entrepreneurs with existing businesses in Geita region including youth, women and people with disabilities.

“Following amendment of the Mining Act in 2017, and introduction of Local Content regulations in 2018, increased focus has been placed on providing more opportunities for Tanzanian owned businesses to supply goods and services to the Mining sector,” he said.

On the other hand, the Executive Secretary of the National Economic Empowerment Council of Tanzania (NEEC), Ms. Beng’i Issa commended GGML for the initiative, which aligns with the Geita Enterprise Development Program jointly executed by NEEC and GGML.

“This program will build the capacity and confidence of entrepreneurs in Geita to effectively compete with other suppliers from across the country in the mining supply chain and ultimately improve their income and livelihoods,” said Ms. Beng’i Issa.