WEDNESDAY August 27, 2025
By The Tranquility News Reporter, Tanzania
The morning sun rose warmly over Arusha, where the annual meeting of Public Institutions’ Chairpersons and Executives was underway at the prestigious Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).
The northern safari capital was abuzz with anticipation as leaders from across sectors gathered to, among other things, explore how stronger collaboration between public and private institutions could accelerate Tanzania’s economic growth.
Among the distinguished guests was the Vice President, Dr Philip Mpango, who toured the exhibition area, stopping at the pavilion of Barrick–Twiga Minerals Corporation.
The Barrick Tanzania Manager, Dr Melkiory Ngido, received him, eager to share a remarkable story of a partnership that has become a model of public–private cooperation.
Partnership Model
“The Barrick–Twiga partnership,” explained Dr Ngido as they walked through the display, “is proof of what can be achieved when government and industry work together.
“Since our collaboration began in 2019, we have focused not only on responsibly extracting mineral resources, but also on improving lives of the communities around us,” Dr Ngido said.
Dr Mpango listened attentively as Dr Ngido highlighted the partnership’s achievements: Significant contributions to the national treasury through taxes and royalties, alongside transformative investments in health, education, infrastructure, and community development.
The company’s mines—North Mara, Bulyanhulu, and Buzwagi—have become more than sources of gold, they are now pillars of national development.
“In 2025 alone, we disbursed Sh93.6 billion (about $37.4 million) as dividends to the government,” noted Dr Ngido, “demonstrating both our financial commitment and our confidence in the future of this nation.”
Setting Precedent
It became evident that Barrick–Twiga is more than a business venture.
It is a blueprint for how mutual trust and shared vision between government and private partners can deliver broad economic and social benefits.
The Barrick–Twiga partnership is proof of what can be achieved when government and industry work together,” the Barrick Tanzania Manager, Dr Melkiory Ngido.
Addressing the media immediately after the tour, Vice President Mpango praised the company’s performance: “This collaboration is clear proof that our ambitions for prosperity are best realised through robust partnership and cooperation.”
Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu emphasized that this year’s forum was unique, as, for the first time, private companies such as Barrick–Twiga were invited to share experiences and solutions.
“As we look ahead to 2050,” he remarked, “it is clear that uniting public and private efforts is central to achieving our national development vision.”
Four Rs to Success
Dr Ngido credited the partnership’s progress to Four Rs—Reconciliation, Reforms, Rebuilding, and Resilience.
He explained that Twiga Minerals had restored community’s trust lost under its predecessor – Acacia Mining, by improving transparency and inclusivity.
The governance structure now includes board members from both Barrick and the government, ensuring accountability.
Operational reforms have extended mines’ lifespans dramatically.
The North Mara Gold Mine, initially projected to close by 2026/27, is now expected to run until 2050, with ongoing geological studies aimed at extending operations further in progress.
In the past four years, Twiga Minerals invested Sh14 trillion (about $5.6 billion) locally, paid Sh4.5 trillion (about $1.8 million) in taxes and royalties, and maintained the government’s 16 per cent stake in the joint venture.
The company also channels $6 from every ounce of gold sold into corporate social responsibility programmes—supporting health, education, water access, and other essential services.
Today, over 96 per cent of Twiga employees are Tanzanians, nearly half of them from surrounding communities, underscoring its commitment to local empowerment.
Recognising Excellence
At the closing ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Dotto Biteko, presented Twiga Minerals with an award for its outstanding contribution to costs of the forum, applauding the company’s role in shaping Tanzania’s economic future.
A Golden Chapter Ahead
As the conference drew to a close, participants left with renewed determination to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.
And as the sun set over Arusha, one clear message was: The Barrick–Twiga partnership is not just about mining gold, it is about forging a golden path toward Tanzania’s shared prosperityΩ
