Katavi, December 02, 2025
Enhanced security and investor-friendly environment set to attract more local and foreign investors
Katavi Region has intensified efforts to attract investors into its expanding mining sector, following major improvements in infrastructure, strengthened security, and faster licensing processes. Officials say these developments are positioning the region as a competitive destination for mineral development.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Katavi Resident Mines Officer, Engineer Andrew Mwalugaja, invited both local and international investors to seize opportunities in the region’s diverse mineral deposits, which include gold, copper, lead, silver, nickel, manganese, and building materials.
He noted that participation in the sector has continued to grow, with three new prospecting licences issued between July and October 2025 in Mpanda, Tanganyika, and Mlele districts, alongside 19 medium-scale and 290 primary mining licences.
Engineer Mwalugaja added that mineral trading has also expanded significantly. During the 2024/2025 financial year, a total of 107 licences were issued, 35 for dealers and 72 for brokers. Between July and October 2025 alone, 82 more licences have been granted, including 34 dealers’ licences and 48 brokers’ licences, reflecting rising confidence among investors.
He highlighted that the establishment of two mineral markets in Mpanda Municipality and Karema has provided miners with secure and reliable trading platforms, while the investment climate continues to improve through enhanced security measures and strengthened coordination with the Regional Commissioner’s Office.
According to him, the mining sector in Katavi has posted impressive revenue growth, with collections rising from 1.16bn/- in the 2017/2018 financial year to 9.26bn/- in 2024/2025. In just four months of the 2025/2026 financial year, the region has already collected 3.80bn/-, equivalent to 38 percent of its annual target of 10bn/-.
Mining stakeholders in the region have praised the government for improving the investment environment, noting that better infrastructure, timely resolution of challenges, and faster access to government services have increased efficiency. They also said that improved transparency between authorities and miners has encouraged more young people to join the sector, viewing it as secure and reliable.
Speaking on behalf of miners, Joseph Lazaro, a primary mining licence holder and Director at Jiuxing Tanzania Mining Company, said collaborations with Chinese investors have increased production, created jobs for more than 500 young people in Mpanda, and boosted government revenue. He commended the government for providing technical support, timely permits, and professional guidance, which have strengthened miners’ confidence and performance.
His colleague, Adamu Mungwira, said the use of modern copper ore processing technology, including froth flotation, has enhanced safety, reduced environmental impact, and improved production levels.
He explained that the technology allows miners to process larger quantities of ore in shorter periods, increasing productivity and helping young miners develop skills in modern extraction techniques.
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