09th Feb 2026
Source: The East African
EAST AFRICAN STOCK MARKET LEADERS RECOMMIT TO REGIONAL INTEGRATION AFTER 10 YEARS
Chief Executive Officers of East African stock markets have agreed to revive the long-delayed Capital Markets Infrastructure (CMI) project, designed to enable seamless cross-border trading, increase liquidity, expand investment opportunities, and help companies raise capital across the region.
The initiative aims to electronically link all eight East African stock markets Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, so they can function as a single exchange. The second phase will initially focus on Kenya, South Sudan, Burundi, the DRC, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
Originally launched in 2015 with World Bank support, the project stalled due to funding shortages, procurement challenges, weak or non-functional exchanges in certain countries, and limited political commitment. The renewed effort reflects a strong push to integrate capital markets across the region and strengthen East Africa’s financial ecosystem.
Source: Daily News
INTEGRATED DOMESTIC REVENUE SYSTEM WILL NOT ALTER TAX LAWS, SAYS TRA EXPERT
The government’s newly launched Integrated Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS) will not change any existing tax laws or regulations, according to Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) expert Mr. Ezekiel Masanja. Speaking at a taxpayer education seminar in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, he clarified that IDRAS is designed to enhance and simplify tax processes, making it easier for citizens to pay government revenues transparently and efficiently, without altering existing procedures.
Mr. Masanja explained that IDRAS connects multiple institutions with taxpayers, enabling online communication with TRA officials and eliminating the need for physical visits. For example, if a person plans to travel abroad and there are concerns about unpaid taxes, the issue can now be addressed digitally through the system, removing the need for immigration officials to write letters or visit TRA offices. This ensures a more convenient, secure, and streamlined tax administration experience.
Source: The Guardian
TANZANIA’S CENTRAL BANK SETS LESS RESTRICTIVE MONETARY POLICY FOR SECOND HALF OF YEAR
The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has announced that it will maintain a less restrictive monetary policy during the second half of the 2025/26 fiscal year. The Central Bank Rate (CBR) will stay at 5.75% for the quarter ending March 2026, aiming to support robust economic growth while keeping inflation stable.
According to the BoT’s February monetary policy statement (mid-year review 2025/26), the decision by the Monetary Policy Committee reflects growing confidence in Tanzania’s economic outlook. The central bank is also pursuing major financial sector reforms to expand financial inclusion, encourage digital payments, and strengthen overall financial stability.
These reforms include enhanced supervision of banks and microfinance institutions, initiatives to improve consumer protection, and programs to boost financial literacy. With stable growth forecasts, controlled inflation, and ongoing sector reforms, BoT’s policy stance underscores its commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability while fostering sustained economic expansion through 2026.
10th Feb 2026
Source: The Citizen
EAST AFRICAN NATIONS UNITE AGAINST ILLEGAL FISHING AT ZANZIBAR SUMMIT
Regional leaders and fisheries experts have expressed growing concern over rising illegal fishing in the South-west Indian Ocean, warning that foreign industrial vessels are “plundering” East African waters.
Speaking at the high-level three-day Blue Voices Regional Summit in Zanzibar, held under the Jahazi Project, officials from across East Africa pledged stronger coordinated action against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF). Delegates noted that weak enforcement allows foreign fleets to undermine coastal economies, threatening livelihoods and national sovereignty.
Mr. Mboja Ramachani Mshenga, Deputy Minister in Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, emphasized that illegal fishing is not merely an environmental concern, but also a critical issue for food security, livelihoods, sovereignty, and long-term economic development.
Dr. Paul Orina, Director General of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, noting: “Illegal actors succeed when countries act alone and fail when regions act together.” The summit underscored the need for unified East African strategies to safeguard marine resources and promote sustainable fisheries management.
Source: The Guardian
MINISTER LAUNCHES 2023 NATIONAL SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY
The government has officially launched the National Social Protection Policy of 2023 alongside a new informal sector self-employed scheme that had already registered more than 509,000 subscribers by December 2025.
Speaking during the Social Protection Sector Stakeholders Conference attended by over 1,000 participants, Hon. Mr. Deus Sangu, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Relations, said the scheme provides a strong foundation for informal sector workers to join national social security systems. He noted that the programme enables participants to access essential benefits such as healthcare coverage and income protection.
Mr. Sangu emphasized that the initiative is expected to significantly expand social protection coverage for millions of Tanzanians earning livelihoods outside formal employment, strengthening economic security and resilience.
Meanwhile, Ms. Hawa Mchafu, Chairperson of the Social Welfare and Community Development Committee of the National Assembly of Tanzania, said the policy and the new scheme will play a vital role in accelerating socio-economic development at both household and national levels. She added that expanding social protection systems is key to improving citizens’ welfare and promoting inclusive growth across the country.
Source: The Guardian
DEPUTY MINISTER CALLS FOR REVIEW OF MARRIAGE LAW OVER EPILEPSY CLAUSE
Health Deputy Minister Hon. Dr. Florence Samizi has acknowledged that Tanzania’s Law of Marriage Act, Cap. 29 contains discriminatory provisions that contribute to stigma against people living with epilepsy.
Speaking during World Epilepsy Day commemorations in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Samizi pointed specifically to Section 39(a)(ii), which allows a spouse to file for divorce if their partner is diagnosed with epilepsy. She described the clause as outdated and unjust, urging lawmakers to review the legislation.
She noted that the provision unfairly targets epilepsy while overlooking other neurological conditions such as stroke or memory loss. According to the Deputy Minister, the law must be amended to reflect modern medical understanding and uphold the dignity of people living with epilepsy.
Dr. Samizi emphasized the importance of raising public awareness and reducing stigma, stressing that individuals experiencing seizures should be supported rather than isolated. She urged Parliament to urgently examine the matter and ensure legal reforms promote fairness, inclusion, and respect for the rights of all citizens.
11th Feb 2026
Source: The Citizen
MINING SUPPLIERS SOUND ALARM OVER LOCAL CONTENT VIOLATIONS
The Tanzania Mining Suppliers and Service Providers Association (TAMISA) has raised concerns over reports that some foreign mining companies are failing to comply with local content requirements, warning that such actions undermine national efforts to ensure Tanzanians benefit from the country’s natural resources.
The concern comes as Tanzania Development Vision 2050 places strong emphasis on building a competitive and inclusive private sector through citizen-empowerment initiatives and policies designed to attract responsible foreign investment.
TAMISA Chairman, Mr. Peter Kumalilwa, said the association has received indications that certain foreign mining companies are bypassing local content regulations. Although he did not name specific firms, he stressed that TAMISA is prepared to take action if necessary.
He also highlighted a key milestone: the government’s first-ever publication of a list of 20 services and products reserved exclusively for Tanzanians within the mining value chain. According to Mr. Peter Kumalilwa, the move marks an important step toward safeguarding domestic economic interests and strengthening local participation in the mining sector.
Source: Daily news
GOVERNMENT DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL CARGO TRAINS TO EASE DAR PORT CONGESTION
The government has announced new measures to reduce congestion at the Dar es Salaam Port, including an increase in Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) cargo trains.
Transport Minister, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, said that from February 15, five additional cargo trains will begin transporting containers to the Kwala Dry Port and to Ihumwa in Dodoma to ease pressure on the port.
During an inspection tour of port operations, Prof. Mbarawa noted that recent efficiency improvements driven by investments from DP World and the Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal (EAGT) have led to higher container volumes and temporary congestion.
According to Mr. Elitunu Mallamia, Head of Relations and Operations Coordination at DP World, the company handled 68% more containers by January 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. In December 2025 alone, DP World processed 94% more containers than in December 2024, reflecting significant growth in cargo throughput and port activity.
Source: Daily news
CENTRAL BANK SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF ETHICAL INVESTMENT TALENT
The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture ethical investment talent, as part of broader efforts to strengthen market integrity and professionalism within the country’s financial sector.
By backing programmes that expose students to practical equity research and valuation, the central bank aims to position skills development as a key driver of financial market growth and long-term stability.
BoT Head of Market Analysis, Surveillance and Monitoring, Mr. Mekwa Kulwa, stated that the central bank remains actively engaged in such initiatives because a well-trained workforce is essential for effective monetary policy transmission, resilient financial markets, and the overall development of the financial system.
Meanwhile, Mr. Prosper Kawiche, Assistant Lecturer at the University of Dodoma, noted that the programme offers significant value to students by providing hands-on experience and mentorship from industry professionals. He added that this exposure presents a major opportunity for students to learn directly from experienced practitioners already working within the financial sector.
12th Feb 2026
Source: The Citizen
EXPERTS URGE EAC BUSINESSES TO MEET QUALITY STANDARDS UNDER MARKUP II PROGRAMME
Experts are calling on East African entrepreneurs to prioritise quality compliance in order to remain competitive in both regional and international markets. The appeal was made during a workshop held in Dar es Salaam that brought together quality and standards specialists from East African Community member states under the European Union–funded MARKUP II programme.
Mr. Safari Fungo, National Coordinator for MARKUP II, emphasised that meeting quality standards has become essential for market access, noting that about 85% of global trade is governed by strict quality requirements. He explained that businesses failing to meet these standards are automatically excluded from many markets.
He added that the MARKUP II initiative is supporting local enterprises by building a pool of qualified quality experts and providing tailored technical assistance. Currently, more than 100 professionals are assisting nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs across key value chains to improve compliance and competitiveness.
According to Mr. Fungo, the programme focuses on enhancing production processes, certification, and international compliance to help EAC businesses penetrate larger markets. Meanwhile, Mr. David Geoffrey, Trade Officer at the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the programme’s focal person, said the initiative aims to ensure East African entrepreneurs can compete effectively both locally and globally.
He noted that EAC countries are actively sharing experiences on quality and standards, particularly in food and agricultural products, stressing that cross-border learning is critical to overcoming long-standing barriers that have limited regional firms’ export expansion.
Source: The Citizen
PARLIAMENT URGES FAST-TRACKING OF TRADE LAW TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC GROWTH
The Parliamentary Committee on Industries, Trade, Agriculture, and Livestock has called on the Government to expedite the drafting of a new business law, warning that further delays could slow the modernisation of Tanzania’s rapidly expanding trade sector.
Committee Chairperson Deo Mwanyika issued the directive following a briefing on the revised 2003 National Trade Policy (2023 Edition), stressing that the timely completion of the legislation is critical for enabling the responsible ministry to strengthen trade and investment frameworks.
He noted that the proposed reforms are expected to improve the business environment, enhance transparency, and stimulate economic growth. The updated National Trade Policy seeks to promote trade by improving efficiency, competitiveness, and institutional coordination, supporting Tanzania’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.
Source: The Guardian
PUBLIC ADVISED TO USE OFFICIAL CHANNELS IN LAND PURCHASES
The Government has urged Tanzanians to avoid purchasing land through informal arrangements and instead follow official procedures to prevent recurring land ownership disputes.
The call was made by Kaspar Mmuya, Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, while handing over affordable houses to residents of Dabalo Village in Chamwino District. He said the Government is actively working to resolve existing land conflicts swiftly and has introduced a fast-track system for issuing title deeds to strengthen secure and legal ownership.
Mr. Mmuya cautioned citizens against purchasing land from informal street brokers, emphasizing that all transactions must be conducted through official land offices to verify authenticity and legality. He encouraged the public to prioritise properly surveyed and legally registered plots, noting that adherence to formal procedures will significantly reduce land disputes nationwide and promote orderly land management.
13th Feb 2026
Source: Daily News
UNLICENSED INSURERS ORDERED TO CEASE OPERATIONS IMMEDIATELY
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) has issued a firm directive requiring all insurance service providers operating without renewed licenses to immediately cease insurance-related activities, warning that non-compliance constitutes a violation of national insurance laws.
The regulator stressed that conducting insurance business without a valid license is illegal under the Insurance Act, Cap. 394. According to Hadyja Maulid, TIRA’s Manager for Public Relations and Communication, any provider with an expired license is strictly prohibited from registering or underwriting new policies, issuing or renewing policies, marketing insurance services, or performing brokerage and agency functions.
She urged members of the public to verify the licensing status of insurers before entering into any insurance agreements. Verification can be carried out through TIRA’s official website, the TIRAMIS mobile application using the insurer’s registration number, or by visiting the nearest TIRA office.
TIRA also encouraged the public to report any operator conducting insurance business without a valid license, reiterating that all insurers must renew their licenses annually to remain compliant with regulations and to protect policyholders’ interests.
Source: The Citizen
EAC TRADE GROWS BY 21.9% TO US DOLLARS 40.3 BILLION AS INTEGRATION STRENGTHENS
The East African Community (EAC) recorded a 21.9% increase in international merchandise trade during the third quarter of 2025 (July–September), reaching a total value of US Dollars 40.3 billion, reflecting strengthening regional integration and economic resilience.
According to the latest EAC Quarterly Statistics Bulletin released in late January, the growth was driven largely by a surge in exports, which rose by 32.3% to US Dollars 19.6 billion. Imports also increased by 13.3%, amounting to US Dollars 20.6 billion during the same period.
As a result of this improved performance—particularly the strong export expansion—the region’s trade deficit narrowed sharply to US Dollars 1.0 billion, down from US Dollars 3.4 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2024.
The EAC Secretariat, working in collaboration with national statistics offices and central banks across Partner States, noted that the latest figures highlight a resilient and increasingly diversified regional economy.
FIN & LAW -TANZANIA WEEKLY LEGAL DIGEST – 09 to13 February 2026
