An Optimists View of Presidents New Era2 Aug 2021 08:47
It is important to remember that the New Presidents instructions related to all mining in Tanzania and were not just targeting particular ministries:
Dar es Salaam — Players in the mining sector welcomed remarks by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying they were opening a new era.
President Hassan warned government officials over frustrating the business community through unrealistic taxes, unnecessary bureaucracy, delayed refunds and unfriendly administration of taxes among others.
In the mining sector, she specifically stressed on improving partnership with mining companies, mentioning Barrick Gold through its subsidiary in which the government is a 16 percent shareholder.
She also asked responsible officials to fast-track agreements with companies eyeing to start mining nickel and look at how minerals in reserved areas were being exploited.
“This speech is most welcome by the private sector including mining players,” said Mr Philbert Rweyemamu, the chairperson of the Tanzania Chamber of Mines which represent about 50 companies.
“This is a new beginning for the mining sector in Tanzania,” he said.
“Our biggest concern has been about delays in VAT refunds in which the government owes the miners millions of dollars but with that statement, we are confident everything will go well,” he added.