Buzwagi SEZ to transform Lake Zone industrial economy

Daily News reporter

SHINYANGA: SHINYANGA Regional Commissioner Anamringi Macha has said the

establishment of the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone will mark an important turning point in the region and Lake Zone’s industrial economy.The RC said here at the weekend that the area will constitute of variety of industries including those for adding value to the minerals and supporting mining activities in the country.

“The Buzwagi SEZ will have a multiplier effect on various sectors like agriculture, trade, construction, transportation, tourism, financial, health and education,” Mr Macha said.

The government is committed to ensuring that Buzwagi SEZ produces benefits for the people including job creation and contributes to the country’s economic development.

Buzwagi SEZ will provide investment opportunities to industrial investors and business people from the region, Lake Zone as well as neighbouring countries like Burundi and Rwanda.

For example, Buzwagi SEZ is expected to be a centre of excellence in the extraction of strategic metals, and processing resources from across the country and beyond.

Mr Macha urged Buzwagi Gold Mine management and Kahama Municipal authority to work closely in ensuring that the Buzwagi SEZ project implementation becomes a reality.

Apart from getting a briefing on the closure process of the Buzwagi gold mine, the RC also toured the Buzwagi SEZ and the East Africa Conveyor Suppliers that specialises in the supply of conveyor equipment and all mining solutionsAlso Read: Govt moves to cut mining companies imports

The government has been making efforts to stimulate industrialisation through the creation of Export Processing Zones (EPZ) and Special Economic Zones (SEZ), promoting trade and investment.

Buzwagi SEZ aligns well with the country’s development vision as stipulated in the Third National Five Year Development Plan (FDYP III) geared towards stimulating a competitive economy, strengthening industrial production, and promoting investment and trade among other priorities.

Buzwagi Gold Mine was officially closed in 2022 and had employed more than 3000 people.

Also, Barrick Gold is collaborating with the Tanzania Airport Authority to build a new Kahama Airport terminal which serves more than 250 passengers at a time compared to only 25 passengers.

The building includes an arrival and departure terminal, VIP lounge and meeting room, coffee and gift shop, as well as amenities for people with disabilities.