Tanzania holds more than 200 million tonnes of graphite ore, according to government data, placing it among Africa’s largest holders of the mineral and positioning it as a potential future global supplier.
Graphite is a key component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage and consumer electronics.
Speaking in Dodoma on Wednesday at a ceremony marking the handover of technical equipment from the U.S. government, Tanzania’s Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said the partnership would support advanced geological research to identify high-potential investment areas, particularly in the southern regions of Mtwara and Lindi.
“Global demand for graphite is projected to reach about 4.5 million tonnes by 2050, and Tanzania is well placed to supply a meaningful share as countries reduce reliance on a single source,” Mavunde said.
Tanzania is currently Africa’s third-largest graphite producer after Madagascar and Mozambique, and authorities say known deposits could account for roughly 5% of global reserves, including significant resources in Mahenge, eastern Tanzania.
The technical assistance is being provided through the U.S. State Department’s Energy and Mineral Governance Programme and will support the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) and the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST).
The programme includes digital tools for geological mapping, data management and exploration, as well as training for Tanzanian specialists.
Mavunde said joint exploration on STAMICO-owned licences had already produced encouraging graphite results and could lead to the development of a large-scale mine.
The cooperation on critical minerals comes against a backdrop of expanding Tanzania–U.S. economic ties, including in the energy sector.
Tanzania is advancing a long-delayed liquefied natural gas (LNG) project valued at over $40 billion, led by international energy companies, with the United States supporting regulatory reforms and investment frameworks aimed at unlocking large offshore gas reserves.
Washington has also increased engagement with Tanzania through trade, development finance and infrastructure support, as part of broader U.S. efforts to strengthen economic partnerships in Africa.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Andrew Lentz said Washington would continue working with Tanzania to create a transparent and competitive investment environment for American firms.
“This collaboration combines Tanzanian expertise with U.S. technology and innovation to support sustainable development and shared economic growth,” Lentz said.
Notes to Editors
· Tanzania and the United States have expanded cooperation aimed at unlocking the commercial potential of Tanzania’s graphite resources, a critical mineral used in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage and electronics.
· Tanzania holds more than 200 million tonnes of graphite ore, placing it among Africa’s largest graphite resource holders and positioning it as a potential global supplier.
· The partnership aligns with U.S. efforts to diversify global critical mineral supply chains, reducing dependence on single-source producers amid rising demand for clean energy technologies.
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