The Tanzanian government announced an initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of small-scale miners to help them achieve their goals and boost the mining industry. On February 23, 2026, Minerals Minister Anthony Mapunda disclosed the news, stating that the plan includes establishing a robust regulatory framework and continuously issuing licenses to long-idle regions. These remarks were made by Mapunda during the signing ceremony of the Special Program for Small-Scale Gold Miners between CRDB Bank and the Mining Commission in Dar es Salaam. Mapunda also highlighted the crucial role of mining in creating employment and domestic revenue, noting that the sector currently employs over 18,000 people. He further praised CRDB Bank for providing affordable loans to small-scale miners, emphasizing that capacity building for small-scale miners is one of the key pathways to driving Tanzania's economic development. CRDB Bank CEO Abdelmajid Ensekera stated that the special program for small-scale gold miners is a sustainable and inclusive initiative, jointly agreed upon by the bank and the Mining Commission, designed to offer favorable loan terms to small-scale miners. He mentioned that the bank had already disbursed 189 billion shillings in loans to the mining sector to strengthen mining operations and enhance productivity.
