04th Aug 2025
Source: The Citizen
SIX ARRESTED IN TABORA OVER TZS 16 MILLION BRIBERY SCANDAL AHEAD OF CCM PRIMARIES
Authorities in the Tabora Region have arrested six individuals in connection with an alleged bribery scandal involving a parliamentary aspirant for the Nzega Urban Constituency. More than 40 other suspects, including the aspirant, are still being sought.
The candidate, whose name has been withheld, reportedly fled after abandoning his vehicle in Musoma Street, Nzega District. A search conducted by security officers found more than TZS 16 million in cash inside the car, which was allegedly being distributed to delegates individually.
Tabora Regional Commissioner Paul Chacha confirmed the arrests on 3 August 2025 during a press conference, stating that the incident involved members of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), ahead of internal party primaries. CCM is scheduled to conduct its primaries on 4 August 2025 for councillorship, parliamentary, and House of Representatives positions in Zanzibar, following five days of introductory sessions for aspirants that ran from 30 July to 3 August.
Mr. Chacha said that they had intelligence indicating over 40 people were involved, but so far six had been arrested along with more than TZS 16 million in cash. He emphasised that these individuals were allegedly distributing the money to delegates believed to be involved in the following day’s vote. During questioning, the suspects named the fugitive candidate. Mr. Chacha warned that authorities would not tolerate corruption during the election period.
Source: Daily News
2025 GENERAL ELECTION: PRESIDENT SAMIA DISSOLVES PARLIAMENT
President of Tanzania, Hon. Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, has officially dissolved Parliament a critical step paving the way for the General Election scheduled for 29 October 2025. She made the announcement through Government Notice No. 486, issued on 25 July 2025, in line with Article 90(2)(a) of the Constitution of 1977.
In her proclamation, President Samia invoked her constitutional powers, stating that, by the authority vested in her under Article 90(2)(a) of the Constitution, she dissolved the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, effective 3 August 2025. The move clears the way for the nomination of candidates and the conduct of the General Election. She stressed that the dissolution of Parliament is a constitutional requirement that enables the nomination process and the subsequent election.
05th Aug 2025
Source: The Citizen
LET TANZANIA STEP UP ROLE IN MARITIME SECURITY PLAN
Tanzania’s participation in the EU-funded Safe Seas for Africa initiative signals awareness of the growing threats facing its maritime domain. Yet such a step, while important, is only the beginning.
With a coastline stretching over 1,400 kilometres along the Indian Ocean, the country holds immense potential in the blue economy. However, it also faces mounting threats from piracy, drug and arms trafficking, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and human smuggling.
A regional security architecture is thus not a luxury, but a necessity. It is against this backdrop that the country’s delay in deploying liaison officers to the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar and the Regional Coordination Operations Centre in Seychelles raises concern.
These centres, established with European Union support, form the nerve centre of regional information-sharing and operational coordination. By remaining absent from these hubs, Tanzania forfeits the chance to access real-time intelligence, collaborate in joint operations, and shape the strategic direction of maritime governance in the region.
Source: Daily News
TANZANIA AND MALAWI COMMISSION TEAM ON CHILD PROTECTION
The Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) has held a bilateral meeting with the Malawi National Children’s Commission (MNCC) as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration on the protection and promotion of children’s rights. The meeting took place at CHRAGG’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam, hosted by Commissioner Nyanda Shuli, alongside his delegation and visiting officials from Malawi.
Discussions between the two commissions focused on enhancing cooperation and deepening relations, particularly in the area of defending and safeguarding children’s rights. Commissioner Nyanda Shuli informed the MNCC delegation that CHRAGG handles a wide range of human rights issues, including those specifically affecting children. He further explained the commission’s role in investigating child rights violations and monitoring the welfare of children in correctional facilities and juvenile rehabilitation schools.
06th Aug 2025
Source: The Citizen
GOVERNMENT TAPS FCC TO DRIVE $1 TRILLION ECONOMIC VISION
The Government has tasked the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) with a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to investment and business growth, as Tanzania aims to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2050.
During the opening of a capacity-building seminar for FCC tribunal members in Arusha, Dr. Hashil Abdallah, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, highlighted that realising Vision 2050 requires significant transformation in both the quality and scale of investments, particularly from the private sector.
Dr. Abdallah emphasised that this vision calls for an increase not only in the volume of investments but also in their quality especially those that are productive and transformative. “We need greater financial resilience to withstand external economic shocks,” he stated.
He stressed that progress can only be made if the FCC operates with integrity, adheres to legal and regulatory frameworks, and upholds professional ethics without bias or personal interests.
According to Statista, Tanzania’s economy is projected to reach USD 85.98 billion in 2025, with an estimated real GDP growth of 5.8%. Vision 2050 aims for a USD 1 trillion economy and a per capita income of USD 8,000, underscoring the need to enhance private sector management.
Source: Daily News
EAC TO HOST MAJOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT SUMMIT IN 2025
The East African Community (EAC) is stepping up initiatives to position itself as a premier destination for trade and investment, while giving businesses the tools and networks they need to thrive in a changing global economy.
The region will host the East African Trade and Investment Summit and Expo 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, this October. The event will be more than just a gathering, it is expected to serve as a catalyst for regional growth, integration, and transformation.
It is being organised by the East African Business Council (EABC), in partnership with the East African Community, GIZ, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the East African Development Bank (EADB), Isuzu East Africa, and RSM Eastern Africa.
Mr. Adrian Njau, Acting Executive Director at the EADB, announced at the bank’s headquarters that the summit will take place from 16–17 October this year, under the theme Promoting Private Sector-Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment.
07th Aug 2025
Source: Daily News
COURT RULES IN FAVOUR OF TANZANIA REVENUE AUTHORITY IN TAX DISPUTE
The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal filed by TPC Limited, a company engaged in sugarcane cultivation and sugar production, which sought to challenge a tax assessment of TZS 3.32 billion on insurance compensation received, payable to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).
Justices Mary Levira Mashaka, Lilian Mashaka, and Deo Nangela ruled in favour of the Commissioner General of the TRA, upholding the judgment previously issued by the Tanzania Revenue Appeals Tribunal in Dar es Salaam concerning tax liabilities for the income years 2016 to 2018.
In the appeal, TPC Limited, the appellant, was represented by Principal State Attorney Juliana Ezekiel, Senior State Attorney Athuman Mruma, and State Attorney Yohana Ndila. Counsel for the TRA argued that the tax assessment against TPC Limited was justified on the grounds that the company had failed to file returns as required under section 77(1) of the Value Added Tax Act.
In their judgment delivered recently, the justices referred to the provision in question and pointed out that a taxable person shall make an increasing adjustment in the tax if the person receives payment under a contract of insurance, and that the amount of adjustment shall be equal to the tax fraction of the amount received.
Source: The Citizen
EAC REBOUNDS WITH USD 0.8 BILLION TRADE SURPLUS AS EXPORTS AND INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE SOAR
The East African Community (EAC) has made a dramatic turnaround by posting a trade surplus of USD 0.8 billion in the first quarter of 2025, as exports surged. The bloc recorded a USD 4.0 billion trade deficit during the same period last year, according to the EAC Quarterly Statistics Bulletin for January to March 2025, which added that the improvement was driven by a surge in exports, stronger intra-African trade, and enhanced competitiveness among partner states.
Total exports jumped by 47.3% to USD 17.7 billion, outpacing a 4.6% rise in imports to USD 16.8 billion. Domestic exports grew by 48.1%, while re-exports increased by 32.4%, reflecting gains in locally produced and value-added goods. The Bulletin, compiled by the EAC Secretariat in partnership with national statistics offices and central banks of the partner states, stated that intra-African trade contributed significantly to this outcome.
Trade within the continent grew by 53.9% to USD 9.5 billion, accounting for 27.5% of total EAC trade. Intra-EAC trade alone rose by 53.6% to USD 5.2 billion, underscoring progress in regional integration and the removal of trade barriers.
China remained the EAC’s largest trading partner, followed by the United Arab Emirates, India, South Africa, and Japan. Notably, the region posted a trade surplus of USD 1.8 billion with China for the first time in recent reporting periods, buoyed by higher exports and a slight dip in imports.
Source: The Citizen
AFRICAN CLIMATE NEGOTIATORS SET FOR INSTITUTIONAL REFORM AHEAD OF COP30 WITH TANZANIA PLAYING PIVOTAL ROLE
Tanzania is spearheading efforts to institutionalise the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) as the continent seeks a stronger, more unified voice ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
At the second Strategic Meeting of the AGN held on 7 August 2025 in Dar es Salaam, African climate experts and policymakers gathered to advance plans to formally anchor the AGN Secretariat under the African Union Commission.
The initiative, championed by AGN Chairperson Dr. Richard Muyungi, who is also Presidential Advisor on Climate Change and Environmental Affairs to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, aims to transform the AGN from a voluntary coalition into a permanent, Africa-owned platform with legal status and operational capacity.
Dr. Muyungi addressed the meeting as a strategic turning point, stating that frameworks are being finalised and confidence is being built in AGN’s institutional structure. He emphasised that people must unite for a more just and resilient climate future. The AGN has represented Africa in UN climate negotiations for years, but without formal institutional backing. Leaders now argue that a legally recognised body is essential to enhance continuity, technical support, and influence on global climate decisions.
Source: Daily News
NEMC REACHES 1,450 STAKEHOLDERS AT NANE NANE EXHIBITIONS
The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has reached approximately 1,450 stakeholders with education on environmental conservation and sustainable management during this year’s Nane Nane agricultural exhibitions, held in Dodoma at the John Mwakangale Grounds in Mbeya.
The initiative is part of NEMC’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting the environment for the benefit of current and future generations. NEMC offered education to visitors on climate-smart farming techniques, sustainable livestock keeping, safe fishing practices, and the protection of water sources. Experts emphasised that integrating environmental considerations into these sectors is vital for long-term food security and ecosystem stability.
The Council also highlighted the importance of conducting environmental impact assessments (EIA) before launching development projects, particularly in agriculture, to help mitigate negative environmental consequences such as land degradation and water pollution.
One of the key messages was the need for investors to register their projects with NEMC and obtain environmental clearance certificates. This requirement is not only a legal obligation but also a safeguard to ensure environmentally responsible development.
Ms. Dalia Kilamlya, an Environmental Officer at NEMC, urged all investors to actively participate in environmental protection. The education provided forms the foundation for sound policy, economic, and social decisions that safeguard our environmental future.
