Tanzania's mining sector is a vital engine of economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP and foreign exchange earnings.
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Tanzania's mining sector is a vital engine of economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP and foreign exchange earnings (Lange & Kinyondo, 2016). Yet, for communities in mining regions, the benefits often feel out of reach. Land displacement, environmental concerns, and limited economic opportunities create tensions, particularly among youth, who face a national unemployment rate of 13.7% (Mramba & Nassor, 2023).
Recognizing this urgent challenge, Mwamba Mining took action on May 23-24, 2025, by hosting the inaugural Mwamba Gold Cup Sports Tournament in Uwanja wa CCM Nyarugusu, bringing together four local teams including Team Nyarugusu Academy, Team Buziba, Team Mwamba Mine, and Team Zahanati in soccer competitions across multiple age categories.
"When we saw those young faces light up during the tournament, we knew we had to scale this approach," explained Thomas Cornew, Co-founder and CEO of Mwamba Mining. "True social responsibility means building skills and opportunities that last long after the mining is done." This landmark event served as the official launch of the Community Soccer and Youth Empowerment Program, transforming what could have been a simple sports competition into the cornerstone of a comprehensive initiative to tackle youth unemployment, foster skills development, and build sustainable community infrastructure. The program, rooted in Tanzania's Vision 2025 and global investor standards, invites partners to join a movement that empowers youth and strengthens mining communities.
The challenges facing youth in Tanzania's mining regions are stark. Many lack the skills required for jobs in mining or related industries, deepening poverty and fueling distrust toward companies perceived as prioritizing profits over people (Lange & Kinyondo, 2016). The Mining (Local Content) Regulations, 2018, mandate that companies prioritize Tanzanian employment and procurement, while the Mining (Corporate Social Responsibility) Regulations, 2023, require 40% of CSR resources for village-level projects and 60% for district-level initiatives (United Republic of Tanzania, 2018, 2023). Despite these frameworks, corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts are often criticized as superficial, with companies like Geita Gold Mine accused of using CSR to mask inadequate community benefits (Mfaume, 2023). Mwamba Mining's program redefines CSR by addressing these systemic issues through a multi-year, youth-focused initiative.
At the heart of the program is a commitment to positive youth development (PYD) through soccer, a proven tool for fostering teamwork, leadership, and resilience - skills that align with Tanzania's philosophy of self-reliance (Nyerere, 1967; Mramba & Nassor, 2023). The YouthFM HIV/AIDS Awareness Project has shown how sports and media can engage youth effectively, reducing risky behaviors and building community cohesion (Mwaipopo et al., 2022). By transforming a proposed soccer event into a comprehensive program, Mwamba Mining will empower 300 youth aged 15-24 with soft skills and vocational training tailored to mining and related sectors. This initiative not only addresses the 13.7% youth unemployment rate but also creates pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
The program's strength lies in its collaborative approach, working within existing community structures to maximize impact and sustainability. This partnership-driven model will deliver long-term benefits, supporting Tanzania's Vision 2025 goal of human capital development (United Republic of Tanzania, 1999). Through organized sports competitions and coordinated skills development workshops, the program will engage youth in meaningful activities while equipping them for employment in industries like construction, logistics, and environmental management. Partners joining this initiative will contribute to a lasting legacy of community development, ensuring that mining regions thrive beyond the lifespan of extraction activities.
Inclusivity is a priority, with a focus on engaging female youth and marginalized groups who face additional barriers to employment (Mramba & Nassor, 2023). Gender-sensitive programming, including reserved training slots and female mentors, will ensure equitable access to opportunities. By aligning with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, the program upholds global standards for ethical community engagement (Voluntary Principles Initiative, 2020). Mwamba Mining invites partners to support this inclusive approach, amplifying impact and fostering social equity in mining communities.
The program supports local content development by identifying opportunities to engage Tanzanian businesses and build community capacity, consistent with the 2018 regulations (United Republic of Tanzania, 2018). Through targeted youth training and enterprise support, Mwamba Mining seeks to create economic opportunities in sectors like catering and equipment maintenance where local businesses can thrive. Partners can amplify this impact by providing resources, expertise, or market linkages that strengthen the local economic ecosystem.
Transparency and accountability are central to the program's design. By adhering to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards, Mwamba Mining ensures that all activities are reported openly, building trust with communities and investors (EITI, 2023). The program's participatory approach, developed in collaboration with local government and community stakeholders, addresses criticisms of "buying consent" and ensures that initiatives reflect local priorities (Mfaume, 2023). Partners joining this effort will align with a model of CSR that prioritizes genuine community impact over short-term philanthropy.
Together, we can address youth unemployment, strengthen communities, and demonstrate that mining can be a force for good. By supporting the Mwamba Mining Community Soccer and Youth Empowerment Program, partners will contribute to a brighter future for Tanzania's youth, fostering skills, opportunities, and hope in mining regions. Join us in building a legacy of empowerment and sustainable development.