DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Tuesday appointed a new minister for minerals in a mini-cabinet reshuffle announced by State House Chief Secretary John Kijazi.
Kijazi said in a statement broadcast live by state television that the President appointed Doto Biteko to the minerals portfolio, replacing Angellah Kairuki who was appointed Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for investments.
Prior to his appointment Biteko was Deputy Minister for Minerals.
Biteko became the third minister for minerals since President Magufuli came into power in November 2015.
In October 2017, Magufuli appointed Kairuki Minister for Minerals replacing Sospeter Muhongo who was sacked in March 2017 after he was implicated in the copper concentrates saga report.
The report submitted to the President revealed possible undeclared exports by mining companies to evade tax.
Mining accounts for about 4 percent of the East African nation's gross domestic product.
President Magufuli also announced appointments and transfers of various permanent secretaries in a move he said was aimed at strengthening government leadership.
A statement by the Directorate of Presidential Communication at State House in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam said the President will swear in the new appointees on Wednesday.
