How Zanzibar hopes to promote economic growth with mining law

Unguja. Zanzibar’s Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals is preparing to introduce a new mining law as part of the island’s strategy to manage its natural resources transparently and ensure they contribute directly to the country’s economic development.

The proposed law is a critical part of Zanzibar’s broader effort to manage its resources effectively, ensuring they have a positive impact on both social and economic growth.

Currently, Zanzibar does not have a dedicated mining law. Instead, the island relies on the 2015 Environmental Law, which is overseen by the Office of the First Vice President.

Mr Said Haji Mdungi, the Director of Energy and Minerals, made this announcement on November 27, 2024, while opening a one-day training session for district commissioners and local government leaders from municipalities and councils across Zanzibar.

Mr Mdungi highlighted the need for a mining law, noting that recent studies have revealed the presence of various minerals beneath Zanzibar’s soil. This discovery has prompted the government to take proactive steps toward developing appropriate legislation.

“The new law will provide a framework for regulating minerals and other resources independently within the sector. I urge leaders to handle this matter with professionalism,” Mr Mdungi stated.

He added, “It is crucial that Zanzibar has a dedicated mining law. This law must involve all stakeholders before it is finalised so they can share their input.”

The proposed law aims to enhance the management of Zanzibar’s mining sector by regulating the extraction, transportation, and prevention of illegal mining activities. Additionally, it seeks to encourage the value addition of minerals before export.

“As regulators, we are aligned with the pace of the eighth-phase government’s development plan to bring progress to the people of Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole,” Mr Mdungi said.

He emphasized that for effective protection of non-renewable resources, it is essential for district commissioners and local government leaders to collaborate closely in managing these resources.

During the training, a legal expert from the ministry, Mr Hakimu Mohammed Ame, explained that the issue of mining and resource extraction affects everyone, and therefore, leaders have a responsibility to educate the public on how to safeguard these valuable resources.

“District commissioners, as chairpersons of the district security and safety committees, have a direct responsibility to manage these issues within their districts,” said Mr Ame.

He also noted that while existing laws have become outdated, efforts are underway to update them to better align with current challenges.

On their part, both the District Commissioner of South Zanzibar, Othman Ali Maulid, and the District Commissioner of North A, Rashid Simai Msaraka, assured that they would serve as ambassadors to educate the public and effectively implement both current and future laws.

Mr Msaraka further emphasised the importance of these resources, particularly for the youth, who are the primary beneficiaries of this initiative.