Following Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to Russia, Tanzanian and Russian officials have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the $1 billion Mkuju River uranium project, a development that could position Tanzania as one of Africa’s leading uranium producers.

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The Mkuju River project, located in Namtumbo District in the Ruvuma Region, has remained largely dormant for more than a decade, with progress stalling following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, which triggered a prolonged decline in global uranium prices and dampened investment interest in the sector.

Valued at approximately $1 billion (Sh2.6 trillion), the project has now regained momentum amid renewed global demand for uranium and strengthened cooperation between Tanzania and Russia.

Speaking to The Citizen in Moscow ahead of President Hassan’s visit, Mr Mavunde said discussions between officials from both countries had reinforced their commitment to moving the project forward.

“The Mkuju project is a flagship investment not only for the mining sector but also for the wider economy. Tanzania is among a small number of African countries with the opportunity to develop a uranium industry of this scale,” he said.

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“The visit has added significant momentum to the project. We expect to see major developments within a relatively short period because several preparatory stages have already been completed,” he added.

According to estimates, the mine could produce up to 3,000 tonnes of uranium annually, positioning Tanzania as an increasingly important player in the global nuclear fuel supply chain. The result? Tanzania is becoming a top global uranium producer and a leader in nuclear energy in the coming years.