Dr. Magreth Dotto: Tanzania’s first female PhD holder in Mining Engineering narrates her trailblazing journey
By Zamda George, CMU
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day for the year 2025 under the theme “Inspiring Inclusion”, it is befitting to shine a light on a woman who is not only breaking barriers but also actively paving the way for future generations.
Embodying the essence of resilience, excellence, and innovation in a male-dominated field, Dr. Magreth Dotto, of the University of Dar es Salaam School of Mines and Geosciences, is the Tanzania’s first female PhD holder in Mining Engineering.
Dr. Magreth’s journey, marked by determination and an unyielding spirit, stands as a testament to what is possible when women are given equal opportunities to thrive.
Growing up in a family where education was equally prioritized for both boys and girls, Dr. Magreth’s path was set with the strong foundation of support from her father, who believed in equal opportunities.
However, societal expectations still placed gender roles at the center of family life. “While my brothers were learning to drive tractors, I found myself in the kitchen, but never once did that deter my dreams of academic and professional success”, she recalls.
Despite pressure to pursue other career paths, Dr. Magreth’s resolve was only strengthened when she was told certain disciplines were “too hard” for women. Choosing to challenge the norm, she pursued science in high school and later mining engineering, a field traditionally reserved for men. Her response to doubt was simple yet powerful, “Dare me.”
The role of family in success
Behind every great achievement is a support system that nurtures resilience and ambition. For Dr. Magreth, her family played a crucial role in shaping her journey.
“My father’s unwavering belief in equal education opportunities gave me the confidence to push past societal limitations, while my mother’s encouragement and strength provided the emotional foundation I needed to persist in a challenging field”, says a soft-spoken female engineer.
Growing up, she witnessed the sacrifices her parents made to ensure that she and her siblings had access to quality education. Their combined influence instilled in her the values of perseverance, discipline, and excellence—qualities that have defined her career.
She credits her family’s unwavering support as a key factor in her success, proving that empowering a girl child begins at home.
Breaking a new ground in mining engineering
From her undergraduate studies at the University of Dar es Salaam to earning her master’s and PhD abroad – at the University of Alberta in Canada, Dr. Magreth has continuously proven her capability and expertise.
She was among only six women in her mining class and later became the first Tanzanian woman to earn a PhD in mining engineering. Her professional journey is defined not only by her academic excellence but also by her commitment to transforming mining education and consultancy in Tanzania.
Her current focus is on bridging the gap between academia and industry. She has initiated “Let’s Talk Mining” sessions, where students and industry professionals engage in discussions that shape future mining engineers.
“My belief is clear: engineering is hands-on, and students must have real-world exposure beyond classroom theories”, she strongly argues.
Through her efforts, she is revolutionizing the way mining is taught, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills needed to excel in the field.
A role model in the industry
Dr. Magreth attributes much of her growth to two key figures: Eng. Asa Mwaipopo, who mentored her early in the career, and Dr. Gwamaka Mafwenga, who instilled in her the belief that every challenge is an opportunity.
Their influence has shaped her leadership and mentorship style, where she now serves as a role model for young engineers, particularly women aspiring to enter the mining sector.
Beyond academia, she is now venturing into consultancy, specializing in what she calls “everything rock blasting”, which means all core areas of mining engineering. Her expertise and leadership make her a sought-after consultant, ready to contribute to major mining projects in Tanzania and beyond.
Paving the way for future generations
Dr. Magreth’s story is more than personal success, it is a movement. From being the first girl in her family to complete secondary school to earning a PhD, she has shattered generational barriers and proven that gender should never limit ambition.
Her work in empowering young engineers and advocating for hands-on learning is shaping the future of mining in Tanzania.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Dr. Magreth stands as a beacon of what is possible when women are included, empowered, and given the space to lead. Her journey reminds us that inspiring inclusion is not just about representation; it is about creating lasting impact. And in the world of mining, she is doing just that.
For consultancy opportunities in mining engineering, Dr. Magreth is available for collaboration in both academic and industrial projects, ensuring that her expertise continues to shape the future of the mining sector.