Tanzanian Women Win Major Awards at African Mining Indaba 2026

Two Tanzanian mining professionals have gained continental recognition after winning major honors at the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, highlighting the growing role of women in Africa’s mining industry.

Held from February 9–12, the annual mining conference brought together governments, investors, policymakers and industry leaders to explore opportunities emerging from Africa’s vast mineral resources and rising global demand for critical minerals.

Among the many national delegations present, Tanzania was represented by a strong team led by the Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde. The delegation included bankers, legal experts, mining service providers and entrepreneurs.

However, two Tanzanian women captured the spotlight at the event.

Leminatha Cornel Kabigumila was named Woman Entrepreneur in Mining, while Rose Mayembe secured second place in the Leading Woman in Large-Scale Mining category.

The awards were presented by the African Women in Mining Association, which recognizes women demonstrating leadership, innovation and excellence across Africa’s extractive sector.

Their recognition represents a significant milestone for Tanzania and reflects the increasing influence of women in shaping Africa’s mining future.

Leminatha Kabigumila’s Rise in the Mining Industry

Kabigumila is the founder and chief executive officer of RARE Mining East Africa Limited, a growing mining firm focused mainly on tin extraction.

Attending Mining Indaba for the first time, she said receiving the award came as a surprise.

“I didn’t expect the award. I came to learn and network, then suddenly they called my name,” she said.

Her company operates in Kyerwa District in northwestern Tanzania and currently holds 21 active mining licenses.

Kabigumila has already built a strong reputation within Tanzania’s mining sector. At the country’s Mining Night awards, she previously received honors including Best Miner of the Year, Best Government Taxpayer in Mining, and Best Woman Miner.

Her journey into the industry began with encouragement from Samweli Shoo, who helped guide her through the licensing process early in her career.

Kabigumila said Tanzania’s mining sector is becoming more transparent and accessible for entrepreneurs willing to comply with regulations and operate responsibly.

She also encouraged women interested in entering the sector to take bold steps despite the industry’s traditional male dominance.

“Start small and be brave,” she advised. “One woman’s success can uplift an entire community.”

Engineer Rose Mayembe Promotes Sustainable Mining

While Kabigumila represents entrepreneurial success, Mayembe has built her reputation through technical expertise and sustainability leadership.

Originally from Tanzania’s Tabora Region, Mayembe is an experienced mining engineer and consultant who advises projects around the world.

At the 2026 Mining Indaba, she was recognized as runner-up in the Leading Woman in Large-Scale Mining category.

“This award is not just for me,” Mayembe said. “It represents women who are proving that we belong at the decision-making table.”

Her career began more than a decade ago at the Golden Pride Mine in Nzega District, which was operated by Resolute Mining.

During her early career, she was involved in the complex closure of the gold mine, a process that included environmental restoration, community resettlement and long-term land rehabilitation.

The experience shaped her philosophy that environmental and social responsibility must be integrated into mining projects from the start.

Today, Mayembe provides consultancy services across the entire mining lifecycle, including exploration, project development, operations, closure and post-mining land use.

In 2025, she also received the Global Advocacy Award for Clean Energy and Sustainable Mining in London, further cementing her international reputation.

Expanding Opportunities for Women in Mining

Despite growing progress, gender disparities remain in the mining industry.

Women represent around 40% of artisanal and small-scale miners in Tanzania, yet fewer than 10% hold senior leadership roles.

According to Mayembe, the main barrier is not capability but access.

“It’s not about skill—it’s about access,” she explained, emphasizing the need for greater female representation in leadership positions, policy development and decision-making structures.

She also advocates for reforms in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, which provides livelihoods for millions across Africa but faces challenges such as unsafe working conditions, mercury use and child labour.

Her proposed solutions include formalization, improved access to finance, safety training and simplified environmental regulations for small operators.

Tanzania’s Mining Sector Gains Momentum

Under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency, attracting investment and increasing participation of women in the mining industry.

The mining sector accounted for more than 10% of Tanzania’s GDP in 2025, underscoring its growing importance to the country’s economy.

The Tanzanian delegation at the Mining Indaba also included financial and legal partners such as NMB Bank and Breakthrough Attorneys, which showcased services designed to support investors and mining entrepreneurs.

For Kabigumila and Mayembe, the awards represent both personal achievement and a wider shift within the industry.

As Africa prepares to mark International Women’s Day, their stories highlight how women are increasingly shaping the future of Africa’s mining sector through innovation, leadership and resilience.