Accra, Ghana
Ghana and Tanzania continue to strengthen institutional cooperation in the implementation of Local Content policies in the mining sector, with the aim of increasing the participation of local citizens in mineral value chains, strengthening the capacity of domestic institutions, and ensuring that economic benefits remain within their countries.
This was highlighted during an official experience-sharing visit between representatives of the Tanzania Mining Commission and the Ghana Minerals Commission, aimed at learning from each other and exchanging best practices, policies, and implementation frameworks for Local Content in the mining sector.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairperson of the Committee on the Participation of Tanzanians in the Mining Sector, Dr. Theresia C. Numbi, said that the Local Content policy is not merely a legal requirement, but a vital tool for driving national development, industrialization, and economic empowerment of citizens.
“I would like to emphasize that Local Content in the mining sector is a strong foundation for national development, industrial growth, and economic empowerment in Tanzania.
The 2009 Mineral Policy, the Mining Act Cap. 123, as well as the Mining (Local Content) Regulations of 2018 mandate the Mining Commission to coordinate, supervise, and ensure effective implementation of Local Content across the entire mineral value chain,” said Dr. Numbi.
She commended the Ghana Minerals Commission for its warm hospitality and highlighted achievements recorded in Tanzania, where employment of Tanzanians in the mining sector has reached 98 percent, while procurement of local goods and services has increased to 88 percent by 2025.
Dr. Numbi noted that the visit will lay a foundation for long-term and strategic cooperation between the Tanzania Mining Commission and the Ghana Minerals Commission, which will also serve as an important reference for other African countries in implementing Local Content policies.
“This cooperation is a significant step toward building a sustainable mining sector in Africa that contributes to economic growth, employment, and social development,” she added.
She further explained that the cooperation agreements will be implemented through joint training programs, exchange of experts, and the strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks to ensure that the benefits of mineral resources fully accrue to local citizens.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, welcomed the Tanzanian delegation and pledged to enhance close cooperation between the two countries in the mining sector.
He stated that the collaboration aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, technology, and experience in mineral regulation, extraction, and trade, as part of joint efforts to promote sustainable development of the mining sector in Africa.
During the visit, experts from both sides discussed key issues including human resource capacity building, technology transfer, knowledge succession planning, and effective monitoring and accountability systems, with the goal of addressing challenges such as limited mineral exploration and the development of value-addition industries.
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