Who We Are
Vision
Tanzanians benefit from a pro-poor mining sector.
Mission
To advance the rights, livelihoods, health ,and well-being of Tanzanian communities.
Core Values
Integrity, Team work, Volunteerism, Transparency and Accountability Networking, Collaboration
HakiMadini Organization
HakiMadini was founded in response to the human rights violations taking place in mining communities during the late 1990s, with a particular focus on the Tanzanite mines in Mererani. Early efforts centered on advocating for the rights of local service providers to operate near mining sites, helping them secure vital sources of income. The organization also collaborated with the accident investigation committee and the deputy minister to mediate and resolve disputes between small-scale miners and Tanzanite One.
It quickly became clear that Mererani was not an isolated case; the challenges faced there reflected broader patterns across mining communities throughout Tanzania. A particularly striking example occurred in Bulyanhulu, where over 200,000 small-scale miners were forcibly evicted to make way for a large-scale, Canadian-owned mining operation. (See “A Golden Example of Globalization” in the Resource Center for more details.)
HakiMadini had to evolve quickly and expand its focus to address the increasingly complex realities in mining communities. This included not only responding to the impacts of growing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and new mining policies but also tackling grassroots challenges such as high HIV prevalence, domestic violence, lack of livelihood alternatives, and the need for economic empowerment.
As partnerships expanded, so did the scope of HakiMadini’s activities and programs. In 2008, the organization opened a second office in Arusha to strengthen its capacity for advocacy and public awareness. Since then, the Arusha office has played a key role in policy lobbying, organizing community forums, conducting media campaigns, and forging strategic partnerships with institutions such as the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation and the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO).
As a small organization, networking became a vital part of HakiMadini’s operational approach. Collaborative relationships were established with local NGOs like the Lawyer’s Environmental Action Team (LEAT) and the Legal and Human Rights Center (LHRC); international organizations such as Oxfam and MS Tanzania; miners’ unions and associations including the Arusha and Manyara Regional Miners Associations; and financial networks like the Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS).
HakiMadini is now the leading organization in the mining sector advocating for a more equitable distribution of Tanzania’s abundant natural wealth. The organization is also unique in its operation at both local and national levels, while collaborating with international partners. We are not a union or a group of miners, but rather see ourselves as catalysts for change. Our focus is on strengthening voices, connecting diverse stakeholders for collective engagement, and working together to protect the rights of small-scale mining communities. We promote transparency, accountability, and ensure that Tanzanians benefit from a pro-poor mining sector.