ACP - EU Development Minerals Programme

24/08/2026

That’s a wrap in Tanzania!

The Regional and Tanzania Low-Carbon Materials and Eco-Construction Training has come to a close, bringing together participants from Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda for learning, practical training and knowledge exchange.

Throughout the training, participants explored the full value chain of low-carbon construction - from responsible mining and selecting suitable earth materials to exploring locally available resources and producing stabilized earth bricks.
A simple message displayed at the TAWAH (Tanzania Women Architects for Humanity) training centre, which hosted the training, says it well: “If you don’t respect the clay, the clay won’t respect you.”
This is a lesson participants experienced throughout the training: working with earth materials means understanding their properties, choosing the right materials and knowing how to use them effectively.
Most importantly, they leave with new knowledge and practical skills that they can take back and share in their own communities.

A big thank you to TAWAH, all participants, trainers and partners who contributed to making the training possible!



TAWAH EU International Partnerships OACPS Secretariat - Secrétariat OEACP United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UNDP Africa UNDP Zambia UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji PNUD Cameroun UNDP Tanzania UN in Brussels European Commission

21/08/2026

Not all clay is created equal.

Earth materials like laterite and clay have been used in construction for centuries and are abundantly available across many tropical regions and beyond.
During the Low-Carbon Materials Training in Tanzania, participants learned what to look for when selecting the right clays and laterites for construction - combining long-established materials with practical knowledge for more sustainable building.



TAWAH EU International Partnerships OACPS Secretariat - Secrétariat OEACP United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UNDP Africa UNDP Zambia UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji PNUD Cameroun Tanzania UN in Brussels European Commission

19/08/2026

Did you know that agricultural waste can become a valuable resource for lower-carbon construction?

During the Low-Carbon Materials Training in Tanzania, participants explored how cassava peels, sugarcane husks and rice husks could help reduce the amount of cement needed in construction materials.
The training highlighted the potential of locally available resources and innovative approaches to support more sustainable construction.



TAWAH EU International Partnerships OACPS Secretariat - Secrétariat OEACP United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UNDP Africa UNDP Zambia UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji PNUD Cameroun UN in Brussels European Commission

07/08/2026

Learning by doing.

Participants in the Low-Carbon Materials Training in Tanzania are now taking part in practical field sessions on producing stabilized earth bricks - one type of low-carbon building material.
Compared with conventional fired bricks, stabilized earth bricks offer improved performance while helping reduce deforestation. They can also be a more accessible and lower-cost alternative to cement.



Uyanga Gankhuyag UNDP Tanzania TAWAH EU International Partnerships OACPS Secretariat - Secrétariat OEACP United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UNDP Africa UNDP Zambia UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji PNUD Cameroun UN in Brussels European Commission

04/08/2026

Did you know that low-carbon construction starts long before building begins?

During the Low-Carbon Materials Training in Tanzania, participants are learning about the full value chain of construction materials - from mineral exploration and extraction to producing low-carbon building materials. They are also learning how to identify and reduce environmental, health, safety and community impacts at every stage.

The session also covers the key steps to responsible small-scale mining, including checking land ownership and licensing status, understanding permit requirements, and carrying out exploration, sampling and testing before mining begins.



Uyanga Gankhuyag UNDP Tanzania TAWAH MEM - Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Tanzania EU International Partnerships OACPS Secretariat - Secrétariat OEACP United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UNDP Africa UNDP Zambia UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji PNUD Cameroun UN in Brussels European Commission

31/07/2026

30/07/2026

Today, Uyanga Gankhuyag, Programme Manager of the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme - funded by EU International Partnerships and the OACPS Secretariat - Secrétariat OEACP, and implemented by United Nations Development Programme - UNDP - opened the Regional and Tanzania Low-Carbon Materials and Eco-Construction Training.

The training brings together participants from Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda, alongside trainers and technical experts from Cameroon and Nigeria, to build knowledge and practical skills across the full value chain - from responsible mining and the production of low-carbon building materials to eco-construction.
Participants will also learn how to produce stabilized earth bricks, one type of low-carbon building material.

In her opening remarks, Uyanga highlighted that participants are not only learners, but future trainers who will take what they learn back to their communities. She also noted that bringing together participants from different countries creates valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and learning from one another.

The training is delivered in partnership with Tanzania Women Architects for Humanity (TAWAH), a vocational training centre.

In her remarks, Dr Victoria Marwa Heilman, CEO of TAWAH, welcomed the training as an opportunity to showcase the work being done in Mhaga Village on low-carbon materials to a wider regional audience, while also creating space for learning and experience sharing.
Mr Amon Manyama, UNDP Tanzania Deputy Resident Representative, said the training will help equip more women with practical skills in low-carbon materials and eco-construction, creating new opportunities in the sector.

We thank the TAWAH team for their partnership, excellent organization and warm hospitality, as well as UNDP Tanzania, the MEM - Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Tanzania, the Kisarawe District administration and Mhaga Village, where TAWAH is located, for their support. Our appreciation also goes to the trainers and partners from PNUD Cameroun, the University of Dschang, the University of Lagos and the institutions represented from Zambia and Uganda for sharing their expertise throughout the training.

We wish all participants a rewarding learning experience and look forward to seeing the knowledge, skills and connections they will build throughout the training!



EU International Partnerships OACPS Secretariat - Secrétariat OEACP United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UNDP Africa UNDP Zambia UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji PNUD Cameroun UNDP Tanzania UN in Brussels European Commission

09/06/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐭, 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥:

I’m pleased to join the upcoming session, "Beyond Traceability: Can Digital Tools Truly Deliver Reliable and Responsible Mineral Value Chains?", taking place on 9 June at Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam as part of the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) conference.

As demand grows for responsibly sourced minerals, the sector continues to explore how digital technologies can strengthen transparency, due diligence, and accountability across mineral supply chains. From traceability systems and digital records to mine-site monitoring tools and emerging blockchain applications, these innovations are reshaping how companies, governments, and development partners engage with artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).

At the Artisanal Gold Council, we have seen both the opportunities and challenges that come with deploying digital solutions in ASM contexts. Technology can be a powerful enabler, but its success depends on whether it delivers tangible benefits for miners and supports more inclusive, responsible, and reliable mineral value chains.

I look forward to exchanging perspectives with fellow panelists and discussing how digital tools can move beyond compliance requirements to generate meaningful impact on the ground.

🤝 Speakers
- Uyanga Gankhuyag, ACP-EU-UNDP Development Minerals Programme, UNDP
- Jeannette Greven, TDi Sustainability
- Hans Merket, IPIS – International Peace Information Service
- Rene Roger Tissot, Artisanal Gold Council
- Maryia Vazmitsel, LuNa Smelter Ltd

The session is co-hosted by LuNa Smelter Ltd and moderated by Aleksandra Cholewa of TDi Sustainability, with opening remarks from Robert Pijpers of EPRM.

09/06/2026

Today, our Programme Manager, Uyanga Gankhuyag, spoke at the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals conference in Amsterdam, “𝐵𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑠: 𝐴𝑆𝑀’𝑠 𝑅𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠”.
The conference explored how artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) can be better reflected in mineral partnerships and contribute to more inclusive and responsible mineral value chains.

In her contribution to the session “𝐵𝑒𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦: 𝐶𝑎𝑛 𝐷𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑇𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑠 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑦 𝐷𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠?", Uyanga showcased digital tools being developed through the ACP - EU Development Minerals Programme, implemented by United Nations Development Programme - UNDP, together with governments and partners, to support governance, inspections, learning and mineral market access in Zambia and Uganda.
Through a live demonstration, she highlighted how these tools can help strengthen oversight, improve access to information, and create new opportunities for connecting mineral buyers and sellers.

Detailed programme of the conference: https://rvo.swoogo.com/eprmbalancinginterests/programme



Uyanga Gankhuyag Artisanal Gold Council TDi Sustainability International Peace Information Service LuNa Smelter Ltd. EU International Partnerships OACPS Secretariat - Secrétariat OEACP United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UNDP Zambia UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji PNUD Cameroun UNDP Tanzania UN in Brussels

14/05/2026

𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 | 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬
𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟏𝟎

Today, another perspective in Insights, Experiences, Stories, our new series featuring short interviews where experts and practitioners from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific share experiences and perspectives about artisanal and small-scale mining.

This week, we hear from Wakiaga, UNDP Zambia Resident Representative:

“𝐼’𝑚 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑧𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦’𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑.
𝐴 𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ, 𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑦 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙.”

James highlights how inclusive mineral development is not only creating jobs, but also strengthening communities and connecting mining to the green economy and the green transition.

Want to hear more from James and other ASM experts and practitioners? Visit our website and explore the new section 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠, 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠, 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠:

https://developmentminerals.org/gallery/insights-experiences-stories-2/insights-experiences-stories-zambia-2/



EU International Partnerships OACPS Secretariat - Secrétariat OEACP United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UNDP Africa UNDP Zambia UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji UNDP in Asia and the Pacific PNUD Cameroun Tanzania UN in Brussels European Commission