09th Mar 2026
Source: The Citizen
EAC ADOPTS MAJOR REFORMS TO STRENGTHEN STABILITY AND REGIONAL COORDINATION
The East African Community (EAC) has introduced sweeping reforms aimed at restoring stability and accelerating regional integration following months of financial strain.
During the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State held in Arusha, regional leaders adopted a new financial contribution framework, appointed a new Secretary General, and transferred the bloc’s rotating chairmanship to Hon. Yoweri Museveni.
The reforms come as the eight-member bloc, with a population exceeding 300 million, faces challenges related to delayed financial contributions and concerns over institutional effectiveness. Analysts note that these decisions respond to growing expectations among East Africans to strengthen the Community and restore momentum in regional cooperation.
A key outcome of the summit is the introduction of a hybrid financial contribution model. Under this system, 50% of the EAC budget will be contributed equally by all Partner States, while the remaining 50% will be determined based on each country’s economic size, measured by Gross Domestic Product.
The new model is expected to ease financial pressure on smaller economies while ensuring that larger economies contribute proportionately more, thereby enhancing sustainability and supporting the long-term effectiveness of the regional bloc.
Source: Daily News
NEW PROJECTS TRANSFORM ZANZIBAR LAND SECTOR
The Zanzibar government has introduced major legal reforms, updated land use plans, and launched large-scale housing projects within the first 100 days of President Hussein Mwinyi’s second term. These initiatives aim to strengthen land security and promote sustainable urban development across the islands.
Presenting the progress report, Minister for Lands and Housing Development Rahma Kassim Ali stated that the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to modernizing land administration, improving housing services, and ensuring orderly settlement planning.
A key reform underway is the review of the Zanzibar Land Policy 2018, being conducted in collaboration with the Ardhi Institute of Dar es Salaam as technical consultant. The review aims to align land governance with evolving development priorities and socio-economic demands.
Additionally, the government plans to repeal the Land Tribunal Act 1994 and replace it with the proposed Land and Rent Tribunal Act 2026. The new legislation is expected to strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms, improve efficiency, and expand access to justice in land and tenancy matters.
These reforms form part of a broader strategy to ensure secure land tenure, encourage responsible urban growth, and deliver affordable, well-planned housing solutions for citizens.
Source: The Guardian
EAC TO STOP PAYING REGIONAL MPs UNDER NEW REFORM FRAMEWORK
The East African Community (EAC) has announced that it will no longer pay salaries for Members of Parliament serving in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), marking a significant shift in the bloc’s financial and institutional structure.
According to a joint communiqué issued during the EAC Heads of State Summit held in Arusha, the decision is part of a broader Financial and Institutional Reform Framework aimed at improving governance and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
Starting from the next EALA term in 2027, MPs will be paid directly by their respective national parliaments rather than the EAC Secretariat. The regional body will only cater for allowances related to official duties during Assembly sessions.
Outgoing EAC Chairperson Hon. William Ruto explained that the reforms are designed to create a more predictable and equitable funding model, with the revised system set to take effect from January 2026.
In another major institutional shift, the Summit resolved that decisions within the EAC will now be made either by consensus or by a 65% majority of Partner States. This replaces the previous requirement for full consensus, which often slowed decision-making and hindered progress on key regional initiatives.
10th Mar 2026
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA’S MINERAL POTENTIAL BOOSTS GLOBAL INVESTMENT RANKING
Tanzania has strengthened its position as a leading destination for mining investment, ranking 34th out of 68 jurisdictions in the Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2025.
The improved ranking is driven by the country’s strong mineral endowment and gradual improvements in its policy and regulatory environment. The survey also places Tanzania fourth in Africa on the Investment Attractiveness Index, behind Botswana, Morocco, and Zambia. This index evaluates both geological potential and the effectiveness of mining-related policies.
According to the report, Tanzania’s score rose to 68.04 in 2025, up from 62.75 in 2024 and 46.38 in 2023, reflecting a steady upward trend. This growth signals increasing investor confidence, supported by abundant mineral resources, expanded exploration, and ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business climate.
However, the survey highlights that despite its strong mineral potential, Tanzania still trails regional leaders such as Botswana in terms of policy perception. This suggests that further improvements in regulatory stability, predictability, and administrative consistency will be essential to sustain investor confidence and attract long-term capital into the mining sector.
Source: Daily News
BANK OF TANZANIA AFFIRMS RESILIENCE OF PAYMENT SYSTEMS
The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has reassured the public that the country’s payment systems remain secure and resilient against cyber threats, strengthening confidence in Tanzania’s rapidly growing digital financial infrastructure.
The central bank confirmed that no successful hacking incidents have been recorded across banks or financial platforms under its supervision. Speaking in Dar es Salaam, BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba emphasized that the national financial system continues to operate efficiently as authorities intensify cybersecurity and fraud prevention efforts.
He noted that Tanzania’s expanding digital payments ecosystem is being actively protected through strengthened safeguards and proactive monitoring. These measures are part of broader efforts to ensure secure and reliable financial transactions nationwide.
Mr. Tutuba further highlighted that the country’s strong cybersecurity posture is the result of close collaboration between financial institutions and regulators, all working together to reinforce digital trust as the financial sector becomes increasingly technology-driven.
Source: The Guardian
CHIEF JUSTICE URGES INTEGRATION OF CUSTOMARY AND ISLAMIC LAW IN JUDICIAL TRAINING
Chief Justice George Masaju has called for a major reform in judicial training to better reflect Tanzania’s legal diversity, proposing that the Institute of Judicial Administration Lushoto incorporate Islamic law into its core curriculum.
He made the remarks while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Resident Magistrates, Moonlight Martin Tupa and Deus Philo Nyimbo, held at the High Court of Tanzania. The event underscored the judiciary’s responsibility to uphold and respect the diverse legal traditions present within Tanzanian society.
Justice Masaju emphasized that the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania recognizes multiple legal systems, including customary and Islamic law. He noted that magistrates, particularly in Primary Courts, frequently handle cases involving inheritance, land disputes, marriage, and family matters, where these legal frameworks are commonly applied.
By integrating customary and Islamic legal principles into training at IJA Lushoto, the Chief Justice believes judicial officers will be better equipped to deliver fair, culturally sensitive, and well-informed decisions. This approach is expected to enhance empathy, improve legal accuracy, and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
11th Mar 2026
Source: The Citizen
TPA DEFERS NEW PORT INFRASTRUCTURE FEE TO JULY 2026
The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has postponed the implementation of its newly introduced Port Infrastructure Development (PID) fee to July 1, 2026, following public reactions and stakeholder concerns.
Originally scheduled to take effect on March 8, 2026, the announcement sparked widespread debate, with questions raised about the involvement of DP World in the country’s port infrastructure developments.
TPA Director General Plasduce Mbosa explained that the extension is intended to provide both domestic and international clients, as well as the general public, with adequate time to prepare. He noted that the additional time will also allow service providers to honor existing contractual obligations up to June 30, 2026.
Meanwhile, TPA’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Dr. George Fasha, stated that the fee introduction followed six months of stakeholder consultations, with feedback incorporated into the final decision.
According to TPA, the deferral will give stakeholders more time to adjust while the Authority continues implementing broader plans to expand and modernize port infrastructure. These reforms are aimed at improving operational efficiency, ensuring long-term sustainability, and ultimately reducing costs for port users.
Source: Daily News
HIGH COURT ORDERS WINDING UP OF SAHARA MEDIA GROUP
The High Court Commercial Division has ordered the winding up of Sahara Media Group Limited, a firm involved in mass media, advertising, and publicity services.
The ruling was delivered by Judge Dr. Mwajuma Kadilu after considering a petition filed by the company itself. The application was supported by an affidavit from Principal Officer Steven Diallo, alongside key documents including the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, board resolutions, tax demand notices from the Tanzania Revenue Authority Mwanza, and audited financial statements for 2023 and 2024.
In her decision, Judge Kadilu concluded that the company is no longer commercially viable, with liabilities exceeding assets and no realistic ability to settle its debts. The court found sufficient evidence that the company had incurred significant and sustained losses, making liquidation the appropriate course of action.
The petition revealed that Sahara Media Group had accumulated outstanding tax liabilities of approximately TZS 97.7 million, while financial reports showed a loss of over TZS 3.9 billion in 2023, alongside continued losses over the past five years.
The court further noted that nearly 80% of the company’s revenue was being directed toward servicing tax obligations, leaving it unable to meet both short-term and long-term financial commitments. As a result, the petition was granted, formally initiating the winding-up process.
Source: Daily News
ZFCC CALLS FOR STRONGER CONSUMER PROTECTION IN ZANZIBAR
The Zanzibar Fair Competition Commission (ZFCC) has pledged to strengthen consumer protection by intensifying public education and enforcement efforts across Zanzibar.
Speaking during a press briefing in Malindi, Acting Director General Aliyah Emanuel Juma emphasized that businesses must ensure all goods and services are safe, properly labeled, and free from misleading information. She noted that the Commission continues to handle consumer complaints while enforcing laws that promote fair competition and protect consumer rights.
Ms. Juma further called on stakeholders to collaborate with the Commission in building a transparent and competitive market environment that prioritizes consumer welfare.
The remarks were made ahead of World Consumer Rights Day, a global event marked annually on March 15 to raise awareness about consumer rights and encourage accountability in markets worldwide.
12th Mar 2026
Source: The Citizen
HIGH COURT ORDERS PRESTIGE–LAMAR FUEL DISPUTE TO PROCEED TO INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION
The High Court Commercial Division has stayed proceedings in a commercial dispute between Prestige Investment SA and Lamar Commodity Trading DMCC, directing that the matter be resolved through international arbitration in London. Judge Abdallah Gonzi ruled that the dispute must be referred to the London Court of International Arbitration in accordance with the arbitration clause in the parties’ Fuel Supply Agreement.
The ruling followed an application by Lamar challenging the Tanzanian court’s jurisdiction over Commercial Case No. 130 of 2023, which had been filed by Prestige Investment. Lamar’s counsel, Stephen Axwesso, argued that the agreement expressly required disputes to be settled under LCIA rules rather than in local courts. After reviewing submissions, the court agreed, holding that the matter falls outside Tanzanian jurisdiction.
Judge Gonzi stated, “In general, this application is granted. I hereby order that proceedings in Commercial Case No. 130 of 2023 be stayed pending arbitration before the London Court of International Arbitration in accordance with clause 10 of the petroleum supply agreement dated June 24, 2022.”
The decision reinforces the binding nature of contractual arbitration clauses under the Arbitration Act, affirming that courts must respect agreed international dispute resolution mechanisms unless strong legal grounds exist to override them.
Source: The Guardian
GOVERNMENT REFORMS BOOST BANKS’ APPETITE FOR LENDING TO THE MINING SECTOR
Small-scale and artisanal miners in Tanzania can now approach banks and financial institutions with renewed confidence, following transformative government policies aimed at modernizing the mining and quarrying sector. These measures have significantly improved credit access for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operators, who have traditionally been considered high-risk borrowers.
According to the Bank of Tanzania Monthly Economic Review for February, credit to the mining and quarrying sector grew by 91% for two consecutive months—December 2025 and January 2026 reversing the negative credit growth observed in the first quarter of the previous year.
The BoT attributes this surge to deliberate government reforms, which include modernization measures targeting small-scale mining operations, strengthened financing frameworks, and flexible collateral requirements designed to bring formal financial services closer to ASM operators. BoT data further show that credit growth in mining and quarrying outpaced other major sectors, with the trade sector growing by 50% and the transport and communication sector by 34.2% over the same period.
A major policy driver behind this increase is the Finance Act 2025/26, which introduced provisions mandating increased local participation in mining activities and requiring mining companies to use Tanzanian financial institutions for key transactions. These measures have channeled more capital into local banks, thereby expanding their capacity to lend to mining enterprises.
Source: Daily News
STAKEHOLDERS URGE STRONGER LOCAL PARTICIPATION IN TANZANIA’S PPP PROJECTS
Stakeholders have emphasized the importance of prioritizing local participation in the implementation of Public–Private Partnership (PPP) projects, stressing that Tanzanians’ involvement should extend beyond traditional notions of local content.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the launch of PPPC Centre Stage, experts highlighted that, as Tanzania prepares to implement its Fourth Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP IV) 2026/27–2030/31, meaningful domestic participation in PPPs will be essential for building national capacity and achieving sustainable development.
PPPC Centre Stage, established by the Public Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), serves as a national dialogue platform to bring together policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, academics, and development partners to explore how PPPs can support the country’s ambitious development agenda. Ms. Mwanahamis Hussein, Director of Policy and Research at the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), stressed that Tanzania must actively strengthen the domestic private sector’s role within PPP structures. She emphasized that local participation should include equity ownership, ensuring Tanzanian businesses are part of the shareholding in companies managing PPP projects.
The discussions further highlighted that, with FYDP IV expected to focus on large-scale infrastructure, industrial growth, and technological transformation, PPPs will play a pivotal role. Stakeholders insisted that project success will rely on Tanzanians being active beneficiaries, investors, and decision-makers—not just peripheral participants.
13th Mar 2026
Source: The Guardian
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION COMMISSION EMPOWERS VISUALLY IMPAIRED CITIZENS
The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) has conducted training on personal data protection for members of the Tanzania Association of the Blind (TAB), reinforcing efforts to ensure all citizens including people with disabilities understand how to safeguard their digital information.
The session, held in Dar es Salaam, focused on equipping visually impaired individuals with practical knowledge and skills to protect personal data while using modern communication technologies.
During the training, TAB Chairman Omary Itambu emphasized that the program was critical for helping members navigate data privacy challenges. He noted that the rapid expansion of digital technologies has increased the risk of cybercrime, including hacking and privacy violations.
Mr. Itambu urged the government to extend such educational initiatives to grassroots levels, including villages and hamlets, to ensure broader access to knowledge on safe technology use and digital privacy for visually impaired citizens.
Source: The Guardian
GOVERNMENT NEARS FINALIZATION OF USD 42 BILLION LNG PROJECT AGREEMENT
The Tanzanian government is in the final stages of negotiations for a USD 42 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, a transformative investment expected to position the country as a regional gas trading hub and generate thousands of jobs.
The mega-project, one of Africa’s largest energy investments, is moving toward completion of contractual discussions before entering engineering and construction phases. Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Managing Director Musa Makame stated that once agreements are concluded, the project will advance to front-end and detailed engineering design, followed by construction of LNG processing facilities.
Mr. Makame noted that TPDC has already initiated institutional and technical preparations, including strengthening human resources, enhancing management systems, and developing the infrastructure needed for successful implementation.
The government is emphasizing local participation to ensure Tanzanians benefit from employment and business opportunities. Through its local content policy, TPDC aims to provide young people with direct and indirect jobs, as well as opportunities in supply chains, procurement, and service provision across multiple sectors linked to the LNG project.
Source: Daily News
COMMISSIONS CALL FOR REVIEW OF NGORONGORO LAND LAWS
Presidential commissions tasked with addressing land disputes and voluntary relocation within the Ngorongoro Area Conservation (NCA) have submitted recommendations to the government, including a review of the NCA Act. The proposals aim to resolve challenges, strengthen conservation, and improve the welfare of communities living in and around protected areas.
One commission assessed land use within the NCA, Pololeti Game Reserve, and the Lake Natron Controlled Area, while the other examined how voluntary relocation of residents is being implemented. Both commissions noted that rapid population growth and rising livestock numbers have placed significant pressure on land, disrupting the balance between human activities, grazing, and wildlife conservation.
The Chairperson of the first commission and Court of Appeal Judge Gerald Ndika said the recommendations follow a thorough review aimed at addressing complaints and supporting indigenous communities to enjoy improved living standards while ensuring sustainable conservation. He highlighted the critical role of the NCA, Pololeti Game Reserve, and Lake Natron Controlled Area in protecting the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and safeguarding tourism attractions.
The commissions further recommended relocating non-conservation activities outside protected zones, registering residents, homes, and livestock in a central database, and issuing certificates of residence. They also called for stronger cooperation among pastoralists, local councils, and the NCA Authority, coupled with proper financial oversight to support community services.
