Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 16 February 2026
Tanzania’s mining sector is entering a more decisive phase of growth — one increasingly defined by execution, infrastructure readiness, and access to long-term capital. As the country positions itself for sustained value creation, attention is shifting from opportunity-driven expansion toward disciplined delivery and long-term investment alignment.
Mining now contributes approximately 10 percent of Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a significant rise from just 4 percent in 2007. The sector has also become the country’s second-largest foreign exchange earner after tourism, underlining its growing strategic importance to the national economy.
Gold continues to anchor the industry, with leading producers recording a combined output of around 335,000 ounces by the third quarter of 2025.
As the curtains close on Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, Tanzania’s trajectory is drawing attention as an example of how mining jurisdictions are transitioning from exploration-led growth to execution-focused development.
“The conversation around mining has evolved,” said Elias Ngunangwa, Head of Client Coverage for Corporate and Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania. “The focus today is on whether projects can be delivered efficiently, supported by the right infrastructure, financing structures and operating environment.”
Infrastructure and Energy Shape Competitiveness
Infrastructure and energy reliability are increasingly central to mining competitiveness.
Ongoing investments in transport corridors — including roads and rail networks — are improving the movement of minerals, consumables, and heavy equipment. At the same time, stronger power connectivity is reducing operational uncertainty across mining operations.
More mining companies are now connecting to the national electricity grid, lowering dependence on diesel-powered generation and stabilising operating costs. For investors, these developments significantly influence how project risk and long-term viability are assessed.
“Infrastructure and power are no longer background considerations,” Ngunangwa noted. “They directly affect timelines, costs and the ability of mining projects to move from development into steady production.”
Financing Across the Mining Value Chain
As the sector matures, financing needs are also evolving. Capital is no longer required solely for mine development, but across the broader mining ecosystem that sustains operations.
According to Edgar Mwasha, Vice President, Diversified Industries at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, sustainable growth depends on financing models that reflect operational realities.
“Mining functions as an ecosystem,” Mwasha said. “Beyond extraction, there are suppliers, contractors, logistics providers and service companies that need access to capital to keep operations running smoothly. Financing must support that full chain if growth is to be sustained.”
Through its Corporate and Investment Banking division, Stanbic Bank Tanzania provides solutions spanning transactional banking, short-term working capital, and long-term structured finance. These solutions support mine development, expansion capital expenditure, and infrastructure linked to mining operations.
Diversification and Emerging Minerals
While gold remains dominant, investment interest is expanding into critical minerals such as graphite and nickel. Over the past four years, new investors have entered the market under strategic licensing frameworks aimed at accelerating exploration and development.
These minerals are increasingly vital to global energy transition technologies, including battery manufacturing and clean energy systems. Their emergence is broadening Tanzania’s mining portfolio while increasing the importance of logistics capacity, processing infrastructure, and reliable energy supply.
“As global supply chains evolve, readiness matters,” Mwasha said. “Projects that demonstrate strength in infrastructure, energy and governance are better positioned to attract long-term capital.”
Execution as the Defining Test
Regulatory improvements — including clearer licensing processes and stronger public-private sector engagement — have enhanced transparency and predictability for investors.
However, sector leaders emphasise that delivery will now be the defining measure of success.
For Esther Manase, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, alignment is critical:
“Tanzania has built a solid foundation for mining growth. The next phase is about execution — aligning investment, infrastructure and financing in a way that supports long-term value creation across the sector.”
As Mining Indaba 2026 concludes, Tanzania’s mining industry is increasingly being evaluated through this execution lens. Rising output, expanding diversification, and strengthening infrastructure have created favourable conditions.
What matters now is how effectively these elements converge to deliver consistent, responsible and sustainable growth over time.
About Stanbic Bank Tanzania
Stanbic Bank Tanzania is a leading financial services provider offering comprehensive banking solutions to individuals, businesses and institutions. With a strong focus on sustainable investment and strategic partnerships, the bank plays a key role in supporting Tanzania’s economic development and regional integration.
Stanbic Bank Tanzania is a member of Standard Bank Group — Africa’s largest bank by assets — with operations in 20 countries across the continent. Through this network, the bank connects Tanzania to Africa’s growth opportunities and global financial markets.
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