16th Mar 2026
Source: Daily News
PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS TISEZA TO MANAGE BUZWAGI SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Governance, Constitutional and Legal Affairs has recommended that management of the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) be transferred to the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA).
The proposal, submitted through the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), aims to streamline operations and position BSEZ as a strategic hub for high-impact investments.
By moving oversight from the Kahama Municipal Council to a specialized national authority, the committee believes the zone will benefit from a more professional, investor-friendly environment capable of delivering stronger economic outcomes.
During an inspection tour, the committee’s chairperson, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, praised the progress at the site, particularly commending Barrick Buzwagi Mine for its orderly decommissioning process, which transformed the former mining facility into an investment-ready special economic zone.
Dr. Ndumbaro stressed the importance of government officials maintaining a visible and supportive presence to prevent bureaucratic delays for investors.
Dr. Pius Chaya, Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), confirmed that the government has accepted the committee’s recommendation.
Source: Daily News
COSOTA WARNS AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED SHARING OF ARTISTS’ WORKS ON WHATSAPP
The Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA) has cautioned that sharing or distributing creative works via WhatsApp and other social media platforms without authorization is a criminal offence, subject to fines and possible imprisonment.
The agency emphasized that forwarding, copying, or circulating music, films, books, and other copyrighted materials without permission violates Tanzania’s intellectual property laws.
COSOTA Copyright Officer Paul Makula told reporters that there has been a notable increase in individuals creating social media groups for illegal distribution of creative content. He stated, “Recently, we have seen a wave of dishonest individuals forming online groups to share music, films, and other works without the creators’ authorization.”
Mr. Makula also urged artists and content creators to register their works with COSOTA to establish proof of ownership and secure the full economic benefits of their intellectual property. He emphasized that registration strengthens legal protection and facilitates enforcement against copyright infringement.
Source: The Citizen
GOVERNMENT TO START DIRECT CARGO TRANSFERS FROM DAR ES SALAAM PORT TO SGR
The government has confirmed that cargo will begin moving directly from the Port of Dar es Salaam to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) by the end of this month, a move expected to reduce congestion at the port and cut logistics costs.
The Minister for Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, stated that the new system will replace the current process, where goods are first trucked to Pugu Station before being loaded onto the SGR. Prof. Mbarawa explained, “By the end of this month, we expect cargo to move directly from the port through the SGR to inland destinations, eliminating double handling that has been both costly and inefficient.” His remarks came during an inspection tour by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure.
At present, much of the port’s cargo relies on the Metre Gauge Railway (MGR), which officials say has lower capacity and efficiency. To address this, the government is building a direct rail link from the port to the SGR via Pugu.
The Tanzania Ports Authority Director General, Mr. Plasduce Mbossa, noted that while the MGR continues to assist cargo evacuation, its effectiveness is limited because shipments must first reach the Pugu Inland Container Depot before transfer. The new direct connection is expected to streamline operations and significantly improve cargo turnaround times.
Source: The Citizen
STAKEHOLDERS ADVOCATE FOR CLEAR LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN TANZANIA’S STARTUP POLICY
Stakeholders in Tanzania’s startup ecosystem are calling on the government to establish a clearer and more supportive legal and regulatory framework for innovation-driven enterprises as the country finalizes its first National Startup Policy.
The appeal was made during a policy hackathon organized by the Tanzania Startup Association in Dar es Salaam, where industry players reviewed the draft policy and proposed improvements ahead of its formal adoption.
For years, startups in Tanzania have operated without formal legal recognition, relying on regulatory regimes designed for traditional businesses. Experts at the event noted that this gap has limited startups’ access to financing, tax incentives, regulatory exemptions, and broader market opportunities.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is developing the policy to create a comprehensive framework guiding how startups are registered, operate, scale, and exit the market. Legal experts emphasized that the absence of an official definition of a startup remains a major challenge, complicating regulation and restricting access to tailored support mechanisms.
17th Mar 2026
Source: The Citizen
GOVERNMENT UNVEILS MEASURES TO BOOST YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN MINING
The government has introduced a comprehensive set of measures to expand youth involvement in Tanzania’s mining sector, an industry generating substantial employment and processing minerals valued in trillions of shillings locally.
According to the Tanzania Mining Commission, these initiatives, planned for the 2026/2027 financial year, aim to create more opportunities for young Tanzanians in mining, mineral trading, and related enterprises.
Speaking in Dodoma, the Commission’s Director of Mine Inspection and Environment, Hamis Kamando, highlighted strategies being implemented to enhance youth engagement across the sector.
Between July and December 2025, the Commission issued 273 mining licences to 183 youth groups in regions including Mara, Kagera, Shinyanga, Morogoro, Dodoma, and Njombe, enabling extraction of gold, copper, gemstones, salt, and construction minerals.
By December 2025, the program had already generated 2,550 direct jobs for young people. Additionally, the government supported small-scale mining by issuing 5,983 licences during the same period, representing 71% of all mining licences granted.
Source: Daily News
COURT ORDERS LOGISTICS FIRM TO PAY TZS 467 MILLION TO PUBLIC SERVICE SOCIAL SECURITY FUND
The High Court in Dar es Salaam has ordered Pathfinder Logistics Limited to pay over TZS 467 million to the Public Service Social Security Fund for unremitted employee contributions and accrued statutory penalties spanning 35 months. Hon. Judge Awamu Mbagwa issued the order after granting a summary judgment in favor of PSSSF.
The court directed Pathfinder Logistics Limited to settle outstanding contributions for the periods from June 2012 to August 2014, March 2015, and July 2018 to January 2019. The total amount ordered TZS 467,451,645.72 represents principal contributions and accrued interest for the 35 months in question.
Records show that Pathfinder Logistics Limited has been a contributing employer to PSSSF since January 1, 2012, and was obligated to remit monthly statutory contributions at a rate of 20% of each employee’s salary, with 10% deducted from the employee and 10% contributed by the employer.
Source: Daily News
TANZANIA INSURANCE REGULATORY AUTHORITY ENSURES SAFETY THROUGH LICENSED INSURERS
Insurance remains a critical tool for protecting individuals and businesses from financial risks, but its effectiveness depends on policies being issued by legally licensed and financially sound providers.
In Tanzania, with economic activity and investment on the rise, insurance has become an essential safety net, helping people and companies recover from losses caused by accidents, disasters, illness, and other unforeseen events, while also supporting overall economic stability.
To maintain this reliability, the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) has strengthened oversight by enforcing strict licensing requirements for all insurance providers operating in the country. Providers whose licenses have expired are required to halt all insurance activities until renewal is completed.
The Commissioner of Insurance, Dr. Baghayo Saqware, emphasized that license renewal is a legal obligation designed to protect both providers and consumers, ensuring that insurance companies are officially recognized by law and authorized to operate in the market.
Source: The Guardian
MWANZA HIGH COURT PANEL CONVICTS SIX FOR TERRORISM
Six defendants have been convicted while one was acquitted in a terrorism case involving allegations of plotting to overthrow the government and establish an Islamic state in Tanzania.
The judgment was delivered by Judge Godfrey Isaya, who chaired a three-judge panel at the Corruption and Economic Crimes Division of the High Court in Mwanza. The court found that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Those convicted are Mnawala Hamisi, Mustafa Hamisi, Mswadiki Mtaburu, Hamisi Kitigani, Abdallah Rashidi, and Zulfa Ibrahim. Mayasa Twaha was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
The charges included conspiracy to commit terrorist acts for all accused; incitement or facilitation of a criminal offence against Zulfa Ibrahim; provision of funds to support terrorism against Abdallah Rashidi and Zulfa Ibrahim; supplying property or resources for a terrorist act against Zulfa Ibrahim; and recruiting individuals for terrorist activities against Mustafa Hamisi and Zulfa Ibrahim. Twaha faced an additional charge of harbouring a person involved in terrorism, which was dismissed.
The court directed that all exhibits remain in police custody and informed the convicted individuals of their right to appeal.
18th Mar 2026
Source: Daily News
INVESTORS URGED TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY TIES
Investors operating in Zanzibar have been called upon to deepen engagement with communities around investment zones to promote positive relations, create employment opportunities, and support sustainable development.
The appeal was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications, Information Technology and Innovation, Ms. Fatma Mibarouk Khamis, during an Iftar gathering organized by Fumba Town CPS. The event, held in Nyamanzi, brought together over 500 residents from Nyamanzi and Dimani villages.
Ms. Khamis emphasized that strong collaboration between investors and local communities is vital for building trust, preventing potential disputes, and reinforcing social cohesion. She noted that the gathering showcased unity and cooperation between investors and residents, highlighting that the company has maintained consistent community engagement for over a decade.
The Permanent Secretary pointed out that this long-standing partnership has produced tangible benefits, including employment opportunities and cultural exchange, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. She encouraged investors to continue nurturing these relationships to ensure development remains inclusive and community-focused.
Source: The Guardian
GOVERNMENT SCRAPS VAT ON LPG IMPORTS AND BULK STORAGE USE
The Government of Tanzania has removed value-added tax (VAT) on the importation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, bulk storage facilities, and carbonisers used for producing alternative charcoal, signaling a major policy shift to make clean and sustainable energy more affordable.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, during a clean cooking energy conference organized by the Ministry of Energy in partnership with the Uongozi Institute. The event brought together stakeholders from financial institutions, civil society, and energy distribution companies.
Minister Ndejembi explained that the VAT removal aims to expand access to modern energy solutions and reduce the cost of clean cooking technologies for households. The tax exemption is expected to lower financial barriers preventing low-income families from transitioning away from charcoal and other traditional biomass fuels. Experts at the conference noted that more affordable clean cooking equipment will encourage households to adopt safer, healthier, and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Tanzania has set ambitious targets for clean cooking adoption: 75% of households by 2030 and 80% by 2034. Officials report that progress since the 2024 launch of the National Clean Cooking Strategy has been encouraging, with government reforms, private sector engagement, and growing consumer awareness driving steady uptake of clean energy technologies.
19th Mar 2026
Source: The Guardian
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO HEAR APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS IN DODOMA
The Public Service Commission will hear appeals and complaints from public servants in Dodoma during its third meeting for the 2025/2026 financial year, reinforcing fairness and accountability within the public sector.
The Commission’s acting Secretary, John Mbisso, announced that the sessions will take place from March 23 to April 15, 2026, at the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) Hall in Ndejengwa, Dodoma. He emphasized that the meeting aims to ensure all appeals and complaints submitted by public servants receive fair and transparent attention.
The sessions will focus on reviewing and resolving appeals and complaints from employees dissatisfied with decisions made by their employers, appointing authorities, or disciplinary bodies. Cases are expected to cover a wide range of employment-related matters, including disciplinary actions, promotions, terminations, and other administrative decisions.
Observers note that this initiative highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting good governance and enhancing public service delivery. The Commission continues to play a central role in balancing the interests of employees and employers while upholding the rule of law across Tanzania.
Source: The Guardian
GOVERNMENT REINFORCES BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT CLIMATE TO DRIVE INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
The Government of Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a favorable business and investment environment to accelerate economic growth, expand industrial employment, and strengthen the private sector’s role in the national economy.
Speaking in Dodoma, the Minister for Industry and Trade, Judith Kapinga, highlighted the government’s goal to ensure local industries operate efficiently, adopt modern technologies, and produce goods that meet international standards, enabling Tanzanian products to compete both domestically and globally.
The minister made these remarks during high-level meetings with representatives from major companies, including Huawei, Sunflag Tanzania Limited, GS1 Tanzania, Serengeti Breweries Limited, and Dangote Cement.
Discussions focused on boosting industrial productivity, promoting innovation, and supporting initiatives that create jobs for Tanzanians. During her meeting with Huawei, Minister Kapinga emphasized the transformative role of digital technology in economic development, highlighting programs such as DigiTruck and ICT Academy, which aim to strengthen digital skills, generate employment, and drive long-term economic transformation. She stressed that private sector investments are pivotal in accelerating industrialization and sustaining economic growth.
Source: Daily News
PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION IDENTIFIES CHALLENGES IN TANZANIA’S TAX SYSTEM
The Presidential Commission on Tax Reforms has submitted its findings to the government, highlighting persistent challenges in Tanzania’s tax administration. The report identifies high tax rates, ineffective dispute resolution mechanisms, and overlapping revenue collection by multiple authorities as key concerns.
Other issues include a narrow tax base, barriers to business formalization, low compliance due to limited public trust, outdated tax laws, weak adoption of digital systems, and insufficient support for small entrepreneurs.
The Commission also pointed out the absence of a comprehensive national framework to identify, nurture, and support small and emerging entrepreneurs, a gap consistently noted in government and ruling party policy priorities.
These findings underscore the need for reforms to improve efficiency, build taxpayer confidence, and promote a more inclusive and supportive business environment.
20th Mar 2026
Source: Daily News
TANZANIA EYES INCREASED CHINESE INVESTMENT IN TEXTILES AND INDUSTRIALIZATION
Tanzania is stepping up efforts to attract Chinese investment in textiles imported goods. Speaking at a trade and investment forum in Shanghai Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, highlighted Tanzania as a competitive manufacturing hub and a gateway to regional markets. The initiative aims to retain more value from the country’s raw materials.
Currently, about 80% of Tanzania’s cotton is exported unprocessed, underscoring the need for downstream investment that creates jobs, strengthens local industries, and boosts foreign exchange earnings.
Prof. Mkumbo encouraged Chinese enterprises to partner with Tanzania in developing modern industrial parks and special economic zones, facilitating technology transfer, and expanding manufacturing capacity for international markets.
He emphasized opportunities beyond textiles, noting potential in electronics assembly, construction materials, machinery manufacturing, and mineral value addition. The Minister also highlighted that Tanzania is preparing to implement its long-term Vision 2050 framework, aiming to transform the nation into an upper-middle-income, industrialized, and knowledge-driven economy, with strengthened China-Tanzania collaborations serving as a key driver of industrial growth and global competitiveness.
Source: Daily News
TBS TRAINS ENTREPRENEURS TO BOOST CLEAN ENERGY SECTOR
The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has strengthened the clean energy sector by training entrepreneurs in the Kigoma Region to produce high-quality alternative charcoal that meets national safety and performance standards.
The program equips producers with the technical capacity to manufacture certified alternative charcoal, supporting expansion into domestic and international markets. TBS Standards Officer Spiradson Kagaba urged participants to adhere strictly to established standards to ensure product quality, protect consumer health, and safeguard the environment.
Mr. Kagaba emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to curb deforestation and promote eco-friendly energy solutions. He also highlighted that alternative charcoal reduces waste, emits less harmful smoke, burns longer, and helps conserve natural vegetation by minimizing tree cutting. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to adopt best practices to ensure their products are sustainable, competitive, and compliant with national regulations.
