55 Tanzanian Small-Scale Miners in Ontario Focus on Trade, Technology and Partnerships

A group of 55 small-scale miners from Tanzania is in Ontario this week on a seven-day training and industrial exchange program aimed at strengthening technical skills, improving safety standards, and expanding access to modern mining equipment.

The delegation’s first full day began Wednesday with a workshop at Toronto’s Don Valley Hotel, where participants engaged with industry experts, investors, and sector stakeholders. Discussions quickly centered on a clear and consistent message from the visiting miners: their priority is building business relationships, not seeking aid

“We are here for trade, to see new technology Canada has to offer, and partnerships,” said Alphonse Magessa, a gold miner from Shinyanga, underscoring a shift in mindset among small-scale operators.

The Ontario visit, organized by the Canada East Africa Business Exchange (CEABEX) with support from Global Affairs Canada, is being seen as a step toward strengthening commercial ties between Tanzania and Canada. Organizers say the initiative is designed to open practical pathways for collaboration between African mining communities and Canadian companies.

“This is just the beginning—we already have similar exchanges planned later this year,” said CEABEX Chief Executive Officer Shabani Mpandu.

Small-scale mining remains a critical source of livelihood for thousands of families across Tanzania, particularly in gold- and gemstone-producing regions.

However, the sector continues to face persistent challenges, including limited access to financing, outdated equipment, safety risks, and gaps in formal training.Organizers say exposure to improved technologies and safer, more efficient processing methods could have a direct impact on productivity and working conditions back home.

Beyond the boardrooms and industrial sites, the visit also carries a people-to-people dimension—building cultural understanding and diaspora connections between Tanzanians living in Canada and visitors from home.

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