18th Aug 2025
Source: Daily News
WOMEN ENCOURAGED TO PURSUE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST GBV
The government has urged women facing gender-based violence (GBV) to seek legal redress to access justice and protect their rights.
Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Ms. Mwanaidi Alli Khamis, made the call over the weekend in Dar es Salaam while officiating the Jubilee Mums Day Out 2025, an annual event organised by Jubilee Health Insurance under the Jubilee Women Club initiative. She emphasised that when women encounter gender-related challenges, they should turn to legal institutions such as the Mama Samia Legal Aid Initiative to pursue justice.
Ms. Khamis praised public private partnerships for empowering women through education on safe childbirth and responsible parenting, noting that such efforts are instrumental in nurturing a healthier, more prosperous generation.
19th Aug 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA’S BIG STEP IN THE WAR ON FINANCIAL CRIME
In a landmark boost to the nation’s financial reputation, Tanzania was officially removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in June 2025, marking a significant step forward in its efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and related financial crimes.
The FATF’s grey list is reserved for jurisdictions under increased monitoring due to strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) frameworks. Tanzania had been placed on this list in October 2022, following the identification of 21 specific gaps in its legal, regulatory, and institutional framework.
According to FATF, Tanzania made “significant progress” by fulfilling all the action items set out in its 2022 evaluation. These included improving risk-based supervision, which involved conducting inspections of financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions based on risk profiles, and applying effective sanctions for non-compliance. This step also entailed strengthening investigative and prosecutorial capacity.
The Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, emphasised that Tanzania will maintain momentum by continuing to build capacity and enforce AML/CFT frameworks. He added, “We are committed to protecting the integrity of Tanzania’s financial system.
Source: The Guardian
AFDB’S DR. ADESINA CALLS FOR AFRICA BOLD LEGAL BOLD LEGAL, GOVERNANCE REFORMS TO UNLOCK PROSPERITY
The President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, told more than 1,200 lawyers, judges, and government officials attending the Kenya Law Society’s 2025 Annual Conference that when Africa stands for the rule of law, the world will stand with Africa.
Dr. Adesina drew a clear link between judicial independence, sound public finance, and sustainable economic growth. He emphasised that Africa’s true wealth lies not only in its natural resources but also in its ability to govern them transparently, enforce contracts fairly, and ensure justice for all citizens.
Dr. Adesina urged African nations to strengthen judicial independence, enhance transparency to global capital, reform natural resource laws to ensure benefits reach communities rather than elites, develop sovereign wealth funds to safeguard prosperity for future generations, and establish strong African arbitration systems to settle disputes locally and fairly.
He challenged Africa’s lawyers, judges, and arbitrators to rise as “guardians of promise and stewards of destiny” by enforcing constitutional safeguards on public finance.
20th Aug 2025
Source: The Guardian
THE HIGH COURT OF TANZANIA’S COMMERCIAL DIVISION IS KEY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JUSTICE
For Tanzania to maintain economic momentum, the ability to resolve commercial disputes quickly and fairly is crucial. That is where the Commercial Division of the High Court steps in-not just as a legal mechanism, but as a powerful driver of national prosperity.
The Commercial Division focuses on resolving commercial disputes. It handles cases related to trade, business contracts, corporate matters, and other commercial transactions. Established in September 1999 amid a wave of economic liberalisation, the Commercial Division aims to provide expertise in complex commercial litigation as well as foster a favourable environment for business operations.
As trade expands and investments grow, so too do disputes, some involving large sums of money and complex contracts. Unresolved commercial disputes can undermine economic growth by disrupting the environment that investors need for confidence, security, and long-term planning. Investors want predictable environments. Disputes create uncertainty, making businesses fear sudden policy shifts, violence, or regime changes. This instability increases perceived risk, leading to capital flight and reduced Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
International investors shift capital to countries with more stable investment climates, depriving conflict-affected economies of needed funds. In response, the division was created as a specialised platform to handle commercial cases with speed, professionalism, and focus.
According to Assistant Registrar of the High Court of Tanzania’s Commercial Division, Mr. Kelvin Ndomba, the Court plays a transformative role in Tanzania’s economic stability. Among the cases heard are those concerning commercial contracts such as loans between banks and individuals or companies, insurance contracts, and company disputes under the Companies Act, Cap. 212. The Court also deals with disputes related to shares, company management, and insolvency, as well as the registration and enforcement of various commercial awards, which often arise from arbitration. The Court is used to formally recognise such awards so they can be enforced with the legal power of a court judgment.
Source: Daily News
TCRA ISSUES GUIDELINES ON BULK SMS DURING ELECTION
Dr. Bakari reminded that all bulk messages must be thoroughly screened before distribution to prevent the spread of incitement and misinformation that could threaten peace.
He stressed that telecom operators and SMS aggregators must ensure all bulk SMS content related to the election complies fully with relevant laws and regulations, including the Postal Communications Act (EPOCA) of 2010 and the Online Content Regulations of 2020, along with their 2022 amendments. These regulations provide, among other things, that anyone providing services without proper licensing will face strict legal action, including prosecution.
He said TCRA regulates telecommunications, internet services, postal services, and broadcasting, including radio, television, and online content, and closely monitors online content delivery in line with its legal mandate. All election-related content requires prior approval from the relevant institutions or political party leadership. Service providers must retain records of all bulk SMS messages sent during the legally mandated period for verification if needed.
Source: The Citizen
GOVERNMENT STARTS DRAFTING PLAN FOR VISION 2050 SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION
The National Planning Commission (NPC) has begun drafting a new five-year development plan that will align with and advance the objectives of Tanzania’s Development Vision (TDV) 2050. NPC Economist Mr. Jordan Matonya said achieving a trillion-dollar economy would require reforms in the digital sector, strengthening value chains, and expanding collaboration with the private sector. “In this five-year plan, we shall introduce significant reforms, strengthen institutions, and promote good governance,” he added.
NPC Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr. Mursali Milanzi, said that the blueprint will be ready by November this year. “Our task is to ensure all policies are harmonised,” he said. The process has already started with a review of sectoral documents to determine their alignment with Vision 2050.
Dr. Milanzi made the remarks during a media orientation session themed “Partnering for Awareness Action on Tanzania Development Vision 2050”, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with NPC. He said that once the five-year plan is finalised, the Commission will begin preparing annual plans to be rolled out from the 2026/27 fiscal year.
21st Aug 2025
Source: The Guardian
TOBACCO RULES: ACTIVISTS FILE HIGH COURT PETITION
Anti-tobacco campaigners have filed a constitutional case at the High Court of Tanzania, seeking government intervention to strengthen the regulation of tobacco use and safeguard public health from its harmful effects.
The case, number 14430, was filed on 26 May this year at the High Court main registry in Dodoma, listing respondents at the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), and the Attorney General’s Office.
Mr. Hamis Mayombo, a lawyer with the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), said in Dar es Salaam that the case was lodged by four individuals, namely Lutgard Kagaruki, Alpha Kawonga, Millennium Mosha, and Hassan Said. The petitioners are expected to appear before the court on 27 August 2025. “Their main objective is to compel the government to regulate tobacco use and production more effectively, given that young people and the elderly continue to suffer from the consequences of tobacco consumption,” he explained. Both sides have already submitted their written arguments, and the upcoming court session will allow for clarification.
Mr. Alpha Kawonga, founder of the local “No Tobacco Initiative”, said that they also aim to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke while pushing for policies such as banning tobacco advertising, increasing taxes on tobacco, regulating sales, and promoting healthier lifestyles. Stakeholders hope that the case will set a legal precedent for stronger anti-tobacco policies in Tanzania, ultimately reducing health risks and protecting future generations.
Source: The Guardian
TRA DELIVERS AWARENESS SESSION TO TRADERS ON CHANGES TO FINANCE ACT 2025
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has conducted training sessions for business operators in Mwanza Region, aimed at raising their awareness of recent amendments to the Finance Act and reminding them of their obligations to pay taxes in accordance with the law.
Ms. Eugenia Mkumbo, TRA Chief and Communication Education Officer, explained that amendments passed this year are intended to broaden the tax base, simplify payment processes, and provide legal clarity where there has been ambiguity.
Mr. Joseph Kahungwa, a trader, said that the training was beneficial as it helped participants understand the new amendments, some of which provide relief for small businesses while others raise tax rates to boost government revenue. He emphasized that several changes have brought much-needed tax relief.
Source: Daily News
PRIORITISE HUMAN RIGHTS, BUSINESSES URGED
The Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) has called on business enterprises in Tanzania to place human rights at the centre of their operations, in a move aimed at safeguarding workers, communities, and the nation’s overall social welfare.
CHRAGG Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Mohamed Khamis Hamad, emphasised that while businesses play a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and attracting investment, these achievements must not come at the expense of human dignity.
CHRAGG Executive Secretary, Mr. Patience Ntwina, highlighted that respecting human rights is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic foundation for building sustainable and resilient businesses. He urged companies to integrate human rights into every stage of their operations, from supply chain management to workplace policies, ensuring that economic growth and profit do not come at the cost of people’s rights or community well-being.
22nd Aug 2025
Source: The Guardian
JUSTICE REFORM VITAL TO CURB UNLAWFUL DETENTIONS
Urgent reforms to the criminal justice system are needed to curb widespread unlawful detention, denial of bail in primary courts, and extensive abuse of the power of arrest, stakeholders say.
The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) issued this appeal in a policy brief update released this week and circulated to various organisations, highlighting violations of constitutional rights despite legal protections and recommendations earlier issued by the Presidential Commission on Criminal Justice Reform.
Citizens continue to suffer under a restrictive and outdated legal framework that routinely denies them justice, particularly at the point of arrest and detention. LHRC stresses that this violates Article 13(6)(b) of the Constitution, which makes the guarantee of bail a fundamental right, pointing to findings from the 2021 Human Rights Report that 46% of citizens see bail access as a problem, while 35% see it as a very serious concern.
Source: The Citizen
MODERN MINERAL LABORATORY STARTS TO TAKE SHAPE IN GEITA
The government has begun construction of a modern mineral research laboratory in Geita Region, aimed at serving seven mining regions across the Lake Zone. The facility, which is expected to become a centre of excellence in laboratory services, is being built at a cost of TZS 3.5 billion and is scheduled for completion in August 2026. It will serve Geita, Mbogwe, Kagera, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Kahama, and Mara.
Speaking after inspecting the construction site at Kasemwa Ward in Geita District, the Minister for Minerals, Hon. Mr. Anthony Mavunde, said the government is building three modern laboratories in Chunya (Mbeya Region), Dodoma, and Geita as part of efforts to strengthen the mining sector. He added that Dodoma is hosting a large laboratory that will provide world-class services in East and Central Africa.
The President is determined to ensure that the sector grows not just in words, but in action. Improving research infrastructure is central to developing the mining industry. The Director of Laboratory Services at the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST), Mr. Notka Banteze, said the new facility will analyse a wide range of samples, including gold, gemstones, and other minerals.
