Roundup: Tanzania vows to transform Arusha into Africa's gemstone powerhouse

Tanzania is determined to transform the northern safari capital of Arusha into Africa's gemstone powerhouse, a senior official said Wednesday.

James Mdoe, Tanzania's deputy permanent secretary from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, made the pledge in Arusha during the official opening of a three-day Arusha Gemstones Fair (AGF), which attracted hundreds of gemstone exhibitors from the East, Central and Southern Africa.

The official said that Tanzanian government was committed to removing all obstacles that have proven to hinder mineral trade in the country.

"Aware of the potential that comes with Tanzanite and other precious gemstones, we will strive in addressing the obstacles so that the country becomes a gemstone powerhouse one day," he said.

Mdoe added that the government will capitalize on the existence of the Mineral Policy of 2009 in unleashing the gemstones potential.

Replacing the 1997 policy, the mineral policy of 2009 sought to redress the perceived low contribution of the mining sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Its objectives are predominantly concerned with promoting economic integration between the mineral sector and other sectors of the economy, so as to maximize the contribution of the mineral sector.

Joel Bendera, Manyara Regional Commissioner said that the government had continued working together with key mining and minerals stakeholders from the private sector with a view of creating favorable mining and mineral trading environment.

"As a country, we are eager to build on our past success to make Tanzania the continent's gem center...we are also committed to resolving various challenges facing the industry and promise a cooperation with the private sector," said the regional commissioner.

He added that the government had established an Economic Processing Zone in Mirerani area where Tanzanite is mined and near the Kilimanjaro International Airport, for various activities like lapidary, jewelry making, and trading.

The three-day event which will also witness the auctioning of rough Tanzanite brings together exhibitors from the East, Central and Southern Africa.

It also features premier gemstone and mineral producers from thirteen Sub-Saharan African countries in one forum, along with renowned industry leaders, respected mineral collectors, dealers, lapidary seminars and demonstrations, and roundtable discussions with government leaders and industry players from the regional African partners. Endit