Tanzania’s attractiveness to global investors continues to grow as the country accelerates project development across the extractive industry. Total investment commitments across the Tanzanian economy reached $10.95 billion in 2025, with 915 registered projects, up from 901 in 2024 and 252 in 2021. High activities in graphite, lithium, nickel and rare earths continue to make Tanzania a key driver, establishing the country as Africa’s largest recipient of foreign capital.
Rising global demand for critical minerals (projected to quadruple by 2040) has led to some major investments in 2025. Australian mining company Bolt Resources has partnered with investment firm Unbound Opportunities Fund SPC for up to $11.1 million in equity financing to accelerate construction of its Bunyu graphite mine and processing facility. Once operational, the $37 million project is expected to produce 40,000 tonnes of graphite per year, strengthening Tanzania’s role as a supplier of battery-grade materials for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
Meanwhile, UK-based Lifezone Metals has raised $75 million in the second half of 2025 to fund power grid upgrades, rail infrastructure and drilling at its Kabanga high-grade nickel project. Kabanga, one of the world’s largest and finest development-ready nickel sulphide deposits, positions Tanzania as a major supplier of nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group metals essential for automotive catalytic converters and clean energy technologies.
Existing producers also helped maintain momentum. Barrick Gold invested $558 million in the first half of 2025 to support mine expansion at Brienhur, energy initiatives including battery storage at North Mara, and additional drilling at the Gokona and Hena deposits. These developments confirm that global operators remain confident in Tanzania’s mining potential.
Investment is also flowing into mineral transportation and logistics infrastructure. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has announced a $1.4 billion multi-phase investment to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority network under a 30-year concession, including 32 new locomotives and 762 freight cars, to enhance mineral transport to international markets. In parallel, Tanzania signed a $2.15 billion rail agreement with Burundi and China Railway Engineering Corporation to develop a new rail line linking the western mining region to the port of Dar es Salaam. Zijin Mining also secured investment and management interests in Kigoma Port and Malindi Terminal, further strengthening its export infrastructure.
Looking ahead, some large-scale projects are expected to reach final investment decisions in 2026, such as Ecograph’s Tanzania graphite project, while regional logistics initiatives such as the proposed Lobito Corridor Extension could further accelerate mineral exports. These developments represent increasing opportunities for global investors to participate across mining production, processing and transportation infrastructure.
Taken together, Tanzania’s surge in mining investment shows how resource-rich African markets are evolving from an exploration-focused environment to an investment-ready economy. The combination of high-grade mineral projects, committed international capital and parallel infrastructure development creates a pipeline of lucrative opportunities for financiers, service providers and downstream manufacturers.
As global demand for batteries and critical minerals soars, Tanzania’s ability to secure multibillion-dollar projects while expanding transportation and processing capacity positions the country as a strategic location for investors seeking both immediate profits and long-term exposure to Africa’s growing role in the global energy transition. These dynamics make Tanzania a compelling case study for the discussions and dealmaking expected at Africa Mining Week, where capital, policy and operational strategies converge to shape the continent’s next investment cycle.
Africa Mining Week serves as the primary platform for exploring all mining opportunities across Africa. The event will be held in parallel with the Africa Energy Week: Investing in Africa Energy 2026 conference, which will be held in Cape Town from 12 to 16 October. Sponsors, exhibitors and attendees can contact sales@energycapitalpower.com for more information.
