Tanzania's mining sector recorded strong growth in 2025, pushing its contribution to the country's GDP to 10.3% from 7.8% the previous year. Favourable commodity prices and increased production at key mines led to a surge in mineral export earnings. The country's mineral exports reached $5.4bn last year, up 31% from $4.4bn in 2024. Minerals accounted for 52% of total export earnings, overtaking tourism as the country's leading source of foreign exchange.
The mining industry has become a key source of government revenue, with mining‑related taxes, royalties and levies rising sharply from 624.6bn shillings ($237m) in 2021/22 to an estimated 1.4 trillion shillings ($530m) in 2025.
A 66% increase in the spot price of gold in 2025 delivered a windfall for Tanzania, lifting gold exports to $4.7bn from $3.4bn a year earlier. Gold, coal and copper concentrates dominate Tanzania's mineral exports.
Tanzania hosts eight large-scale mines - six for gold and two for gemstones - alongside medium-scale and small-scale mines. The main focus at present is on gold, diamonds and coloured gemstones.
Originally published by African Business.