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| Tanzanian experts and Japanese experts meet together to discuss on strategic mineral research/ |
The Government of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Minerals, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have agreed to expand the scope of their cooperation by identifying priority areas to be funded through JICA with support from the Government of Japan. These areas include research on critical and strategic minerals.
This was outlined on June 25, 2026, in Dodoma during a meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation in the development of the Minerals Sector in the country.
Speaking at the meeting, the Ministry's Deputy Permanent Secretary, Msafiri Mbibo, stated that the cooperation with JICA is long-standing. Through JICA, over 30 experts from the Minerals Sector have received training in Japan, which has built their capacity and increased efficiency in executing the Ministry's duties and those of its institutions. He explained that this cooperation will continue to be strengthened for the benefit of both Tanzania and Japan.
The JICA Tanzania Chief Representative, Dr. Katsuyika Kuge, said that alongside the implementation of the Kizuna Project, which builds the capacity of experts in the sector, JICA plans to expand cooperation in the areas of research on critical and strategic minerals. These include copper, graphite, beryllium, and Heavy Rare Earth Elements (Heavy REEs).
Dr. Kuge clarified that, considering JICA's priorities, initial research focus will be centered on graphite and beryllium mineral areas.
"I commend the Government of Tanzania for the good management of the Minerals Sector. Along with the implementation of the Kizuna Project, which builds the capacity of mining sector experts, JICA plans to expand cooperation in the areas of research on critical and strategic minerals," said Dr. Kuge.