30th Mar 2026
Source: Daily News
GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS FUEL OVERSIGHT WITH NEW TRA PROCEDURES
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has introduced new procedures to enhance oversight of fuel distribution, assuring the public that the country has sufficient fuel supply and that recent challenges are not linked to shortages.
Speaking during an inspection tour of fuel depots in Dar es Salaam, including Camel Oil, Mount Meru, and Moil Energies, Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda announced the rollout of 24-hour services at depots to ensure uninterrupted access and strengthen monitoring. He emphasized the need for all operators to strictly adhere to established fuel sales procedures to promote efficiency and transparency.
Mr. Mwenda further stressed that depot operators must cooperate fully with TRA to support continuous operations and smooth nationwide distribution. As part of the reforms, TRA has introduced a new taxation system requiring fuel for domestic use to be taxed before sale, while fuel designated for export will be closely monitored to curb tax evasion.
TRA Customs Commissioner Juma Hassan noted that the measures are expected to reduce fraud, improve revenue collection, and enhance accountability across the fuel supply chain.
Source: Daily News
TRADERS CALL FOR STRONGER BORDER OPERATIONS TO SUPPORT TAX REFORMS
The Tanzania Business Community Association has emphasized that improving cross-border trade facilitation is key to maximizing the impact of tax reforms, increasing revenue collection, and supporting business growth.
Speaking in Bukoba, the Association’s Chairman, Nicholas Basimaki, welcomed the report by the Presidential Commission on Tax Reforms, describing it as timely and growth-oriented. He noted that the recommendations go beyond revenue measures to address broader challenges affecting traders.
Mr. Basimaki called on the Bank of Tanzania, the Ministry of Finance, and other financial institutions to introduce targeted financial literacy programs for traders in border regions. He stressed that better taxpayer education, improved customer service, and transparent use of public funds are essential for building trust within the business community.
He also urged the government to accelerate digital transformation in business registration by replacing traditional business cards with integrated digital identification systems, a move expected to simplify compliance and enhance operational efficiency.
Source: The East Africa
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL GAPS THREATEN EAC INTEGRATION PROGRESS
Legal and institutional weaknesses continue to hinder the integration agenda of the East African Community (EAC), with experts warning that the EAC Treaty 1999 has become outdated and misaligned with the bloc’s expanded membership and evolving priorities.
Originally designed for the founding members Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda the Treaty established four core pillars: the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and Political Federation. However, despite the Community’s expansion to eight partner states, only limited amendments have been made, leading to uneven implementation and disparities in benefits across the region.
Analysts further highlight that EAC law lacks consistent enforceability within national legal systems and does not clearly take precedence over conflicting domestic laws. This creates legal uncertainty and weakens the effectiveness of regional commitments.
While recent reforms adopted during the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State introduced measures such as majority voting and a hybrid financing model, experts argue that a comprehensive review of the Treaty is urgently needed to strengthen governance, ensure equitable integration, and address the bloc’s structural challenges.
31st Mar 2026
Source: The Guardian
TISEZA PROMOTES LOCAL PARTICIPATION THROUGH TANZANIA–JAPAN INVESTMENT GUIDE
The Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) has urged local entrepreneurs to capitalize on the newly launched Tanzania–Japan Investment Guide by submitting business profiles and project proposals to access opportunities in the Japanese market.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and enhance local participation in international investment flows.
Speaking at the launch in Dar es Salaam, Director General Gilead Teri explained that the guide translated from English into Japanese serves a dual purpose: providing Japanese investors with clear insights into Tanzania’s investment environment and acting as a strategic platform to connect Tanzanian businesses with potential partners.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Shigeki Komatsubara, emphasized that the translation ensures accurate communication with foreign stakeholders, helping transform diplomatic engagement into tangible business outcomes such as joint ventures and increased exports.
Meanwhile, officials also raised concerns about transparency in sectors such as coal trade, stressing the need to protect local stakeholders and maintain market integrity, particularly in response to complaints over arbitrary price increases.
Source: The Guardian
MINISTER MOVES TO ADDRESS RISING COAL PRICES
The Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has directed the Mining Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of coal royalty challenges and submit actionable recommendations for engagement with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).
Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Dodoma, the Minister intervened to address disputes over increasing coal prices by prohibiting unilateral price announcements. He emphasized that any adjustments to indicative market rates must be made through inclusive consultations involving miners, transporters, and traders to ensure fairness and transparency.
Hon. Mavunde also called for the formation of a Coal Miners and Transporters Association to serve as a central platform for coordinating industry players, sharing market intelligence, tracking global price trends, and addressing logistical challenges at ports and border points.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the sector, he noted that Tanzania possesses vast energy resources and stressed the need to utilize them efficiently for national development, ensuring that the benefits extend to the local economy rather than being driven primarily by external demand.
Source: Daily News
TRA INTENSIFIES BORDER ENFORCEMENT TO CURB SMUGGLING AND TAX EVASION
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has called on its officers to step up enforcement efforts against illicit trade, smuggling, and tax evasion, particularly in border regions.
During a visit to Ngara District, Kagera Regional Manager Joseph Mutalemwa urged officials to strengthen operations and collaborate closely with local communities to combat illegal activities. While handing over two vehicles to support field work, he noted that smuggling and tax evasion continue to undermine revenue collection in the region, which borders Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya via Lake Victoria.
Mr. Mutalemwa emphasized that public education is essential in raising awareness about the risks of smuggling and encouraging community cooperation in reporting violations of customs laws. He reaffirmed TRA’s commitment to enhancing revenue collection through improved operational capacity, expanded taxpayer education, and stronger stakeholder collaboration.
To address illicit trade, the government has implemented several measures, including deploying specialized enforcement teams to inspect goods throughout the supply chain using verification devices. Additional initiatives include the Electronic Tax Stamps (ETS) system for real-time monitoring of excisable goods and the Hakiki App, which enables consumers to verify product authenticity and quality.
Source: The Citizen
BoT TO ESTABLISH CREDIT GUARANTEE CORPORATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO FINANCE
The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has announced plans to launch a Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) aimed at enabling commercial banks to extend loans to individuals and businesses without traditional collateral. The initiative is designed to expand access to finance and strengthen financial inclusion across the country.
Speaking at the Second Banks and Financial Institutions Leaders Forum held on March 30, 2026, BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba said the move is part of broader financial sector reforms to create a more inclusive and resilient lending environment. The forum brought together regulators and industry leaders to assess progress and chart strategies for deepening financial inclusion.
Mr. Tutuba explained that the CGC will initially operate as a government-backed guarantee facility under the central bank, with plans to evolve into an independent institution. The scheme will work with commercial banks to reduce lending risks by partially guaranteeing loans for underserved groups, including youth, small entrepreneurs, and informal-sector businesses.
The initiative is expected to improve credit assessment, enhance loan performance, and expand access to formal financial services nationwide. It also complements ongoing reforms supported by the World Bank, which has provided USD 150 million toward establishing the facility.
01th Apr 2026
Source: The Guardian
WEAK ENFORCEMENT AND LOW AWARENESS LINKED TO RISING CHILD MARRIAGES
Religious leaders have raised alarm over the continued prevalence of child marriage, pointing to weak enforcement of laws and limited public awareness particularly in rural communities as key contributing factors.
Speaking at a national forum in Dar es Salaam on proposed reforms to the Law of Marriage Act CAP 29 R.E 2023, Sheikh Khamisi Mtaka, Chairperson of the Executive Council of the Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA), highlighted ongoing confusion between statutory law, religious teachings, and cultural norms, which continues to hinder efforts to eliminate child marriage.
Longino Kamuhabwa of the Songea Catholic Institute of Technical Education emphasized that religious teachings promote maturity and responsibility before marriage, noting that individuals must be both willing and adequately prepared for such commitments.
Stakeholders at the forum called for urgent amendments to Sections 13 and 17 of the Marriage Act, arguing that existing provisions still permit child marriage under certain conditions, thereby weakening national efforts to protect children and uphold their rights.
Source: The Guardian
ZANZIBAR HIGH COURT SET TO INTRODUCE ELECTRONIC CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Zanzibar’s High Court is preparing to roll out an electronic case management system (eCMS), marking a significant step toward modernizing the administration of justice in the Isles.
Chief Justice Khamis Ramadhan Abdalla confirmed that the judiciary is ready to implement the system once ongoing capacity-building sessions for judicial officers and stakeholders are completed. Speaking during the launch of a high-level training program, he described the initiative as a major milestone in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and access to justice.
The training has brought together judges, registrars, kadhi court officials, and representatives from key institutions, including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Tanzania Police Force, and the Zanzibar Anti Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority.
According to Justice Abdalla, the eCMS will enable courts to handle proceedings electronically, reduce case delays, lower operational costs, and improve transparency across judicial processes.
Source: Daily News
PPP COLLABORATION KEY TO ACHIEVING VISION 2050 ENERGY TARGETS
The collaboration between the public and private sectors has been identified as critical to delivering large-scale energy projects and advancing Tanzania’s ambition of becoming a one trillion-dollar economy under Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
This was a key outcome of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Energy Forum held in Dar es Salaam, where experts emphasized that reliable and sustainable energy is fundamental to strengthening industrial growth, boosting productivity, and enhancing national competitiveness.
The forum, organized by the Public Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), highlighted the importance of positioning energy as a strategic driver of industrialization. Participants also called for improved communication by public institutions to increase awareness, build trust, and promote transparency in PPP-driven energy initiatives.
Stakeholders noted that in today’s digital era, effective public engagement, awareness creation, and trust-building are essential for the successful implementation of PPP models and the long-term sustainability of energy projects nationwide.
Source: The Citizen
BANK OF TANZANIA HALTS GOLD SALES AMID MARKET DOWNTURN
The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has suspended its planned sale of gold reserves after a decline in global prices, reflecting a cautious approach amid market volatility. As of early March 2026, the BoT held approximately 19.6 tonnes of gold, nearing its 20-tonne target, following accelerated purchases since October 2024 to bolster foreign exchange reserves and diversify national assets.
The bank had intended to sell part of its reserves to rebalance its portfolio, but the move has been delayed as international gold prices softened after a strong rally earlier in the year. By March 31, 2026, spot gold traded at around USD 4,555 per ounce, up from USD 4,426–4,430 per ounce on March 24, but still below the threshold at which the BoT had planned to execute sales.
BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba stated that the sale was initially planned for when gold prices reached USD 5,500 per ounce. The central bank has now opted to postpone the sale, awaiting more favorable market conditions to optimize national asset management.
02nd Apr 2026
Source: The Citizen
CIVIL SOCIETIES ADVOCATE FOR CITIZEN-DRIVEN AGENDA IN EAC LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have finalized the framework for the 2026 Secretary General (SG) Convening, setting the agenda for a regional dialogue on East African Community (EAC) leadership transition and integration strategies.
The hybrid Technical Working Group session, held in Arusha at the EAC Headquarters, gathered civil society networks, private-sector representatives, and regional stakeholders to shape the content for the April 22–23 convening under the theme “A Community Reborn: Implications of the 2026 Heads of State Summit Decisions for the Future of the EAC.”
The assembly will oversee the transition at the EAC Secretariat, marking the conclusion of outgoing Secretary General Veronica Mueni Nduva’s term and the installation of her successor, Stephen Patrick Mbundi. The process aims to foster inclusive dialogue, strengthen coordination, and advance measurable regional commitments.
Achilleus Rwelamira highlighted that the platform is designed to go beyond ceremonial handovers by honoring the outgoing SG while equipping incoming leadership with clear, citizen-driven priorities.
Source: The Citizen
EAST AFRICA URGED TO OVERCOME FINANCIAL INCLUSION CHALLENGES
Stakeholders have called for urgent, coordinated action to address persistent barriers limiting financial inclusion in East Africa, noting that expanded access to financial services has yet to deliver tangible benefits for many citizens.
Speaking at the East Africa Investment Conference 2026 on March 26, experts emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, innovation, and regulatory reforms to build a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem.
Mr. Kennedy Komba highlighted that while East Africa’s financial inclusion trajectory is promising, fully unlocking its potential requires joint efforts from governments, regulators, investors, and technology innovators.
He noted that ongoing transformations in Africa’s financial systems driven by enhanced licensing frameworks, greater fintech adoption, and improved data protection standards present opportunities to expand safe and accessible financial services to underserved populations.
Source: Daily News
LATRA CAUTIONS AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED FARE INCREASES
The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has directed transport operators nationwide to refrain from arbitrarily increasing fares during the current transition period, despite the recent rise in fuel prices, urging them to follow established legal procedures as the Authority continues to assess operational costs.
LATRA has also given operators a seven day window to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to review areas that may require adjustments, if necessary.
The directive comes a day after the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) announced an increase of more than TZS 900/= per litre, raising fuel prices from TZS 2,864/= to 3,820/=, a surge linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kibaha, Coast Region, LATRA Director General Mr. Habibu Suluo confirmed that the Authority had received public complaints about unauthorized fare hikes by some service providers.
He emphasized that fare adjustments outside the legal framework will not be tolerated, adding that LATRA reserves the right to use its own data to set fares should operators fail to submit the required information as stipulated in LATRA regulations.
FIN & LAW -TANZANIA WEEKLY LEGAL DIGEST – 30 March-02 April 2026
