08th Apr 2026
Source: The Citizen
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK OUTLINES STRATEGY TO BOOST DOMESTIC REVENUE IN AFRICA
The African Development Bank has unveiled a strategic framework built on five key pillars to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization across African countries, underscoring its importance in financing development and enhancing economic resilience.
The pillars include improving tax policy and administration, simplifying tax systems, accelerating digitalization, reducing revenue leakages, and implementing reforms in a structured and strategic sequence. According to the Bank, African nations could generate an additional USD 469.4 billion annually between 2025 and 2029 through stronger enforcement and expanded use of digital technologies.
Kevin Chika Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management at the Bank, emphasized that domestic revenue mobilization goes beyond fiscal policy, describing it as a key driver of economic resilience, sovereignty, and sustainable development.
The AfDB’s approach integrates policy-based financing, institutional strengthening, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, alongside partnerships with global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the African Tax Administration Forum to support countries in modernizing and strengthening their revenue systems.
Source: Daily News
DISTRICT COMMISSIONER CONDEMNS FORCED CHILD LABOUR
Dodoma District Commissioner Jabin Shekimweri has strongly condemned the practice of parents forcing children into labour to support household income, describing it as exploitation and a violation of children’s rights.
Speaking ahead of the International Day for Street Children, Mr. Shekimweri issued the warning during a media briefing at Nkuhungu Ward Government Office, where he represented Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule. He emphasized that while teaching children responsibility is important, forcing them into income-generating activities undermines their well-being and development.
He noted that families have a duty to guide and protect children, not to treat them as sources of income. According to regional data, 69 street-connected children were identified in Dodoma in 2026, with 65 successfully reunited with their families through government interventions.
Mr. Shekimweri commended social welfare officers under the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups for their efforts in rescuing and reintegrating affected children. He stressed that addressing the issue requires coordinated action from families, communities, government institutions, and development partners.
09th Apr 2026
Source: Daily News
GOVERNMENT TARGETS USD 72 MILLION EXPORT BOOST THROUGH SEZs
The Government of Tanzania is targeting a USD 72 million increase in exports through its Special Economic Zones (SEZs), as part of ongoing efforts to accelerate industrial growth and expand trade capacity.
Presenting the Prime Minister’s Office budget in Parliament, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba stated that the SEZ strategy is expected to generate up to USD 672.63 million in exports. Currently, 34 SEZs have been designated, with 25 projects under implementation valued at USD 280.8 million.
Key developments include Bagamoyo, Buzwagi, Nala, and Kwala SEZs, alongside the expanded Benjamin William Mkapa Special Economic Zone. In addition, flagship industrial projects such as the Magadi Soda Project and the Liganga–Mchuchuma Project are central to the government’s broader plan to strengthen industrialization and boost export performance.
These initiatives form part of Tanzania’s long-term strategy to enhance economic growth, increase foreign exchange earnings, and position the country as a competitive industrial hub in the region.
Source: The Guardian
EAC LAUNCHES INITIATIVES TO ADVANCE REGIONAL CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Leaders and experts from the East African Community convened in Arusha during the 25th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State to launch initiatives aimed at promoting a regional circular economy and improving management of the region’s 56.7 million tonnes of annual waste.
Held under the theme “Harnessing Policy, Innovation, and Digital Collaboration for a Circular East Africa,” the forum emphasized shifting from the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” model to a regenerative system that reuses materials, creates jobs, and supports sustainable development.
Participants highlighted the urgency of action, noting that less than 10% of recyclable materials in East Africa are currently recovered, while waste generation could rise by 60–74% by 2030 without intervention posing significant risks to public health and environmental stability.
Joe Assoua of the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute warned that global waste could increase by 70% by 2050 if circular economy practices are not prioritized.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to develop a comprehensive regional policy brief for the EAC Secretariat, focusing on harmonizing waste management standards, leveraging digital innovation for resource tracking, and formalizing the informal waste sector to better protect and empower waste workers.
Source: The Citizen
BARRICK, AMNESTY RESPOND AS COURT DISMISSES NORTH MARA CASE
Canada’s Court of Appeal for Ontario has dismissed a lawsuit against Barrick Gold Corporation’s North Mara Gold Mine, ruling that Tanzania is the more appropriate jurisdiction to hear the case. The decision, delivered on April 7, 2026, upheld an earlier finding that the matter should not proceed in Ontario.
The lawsuit, filed in November 2022, centered on allegations of deaths and assaults linked to security operations at the mine, including claims of excessive force by police assigned to protect the site.
The North Mara mine, located in northern Tanzania, operates in an area largely inhabited by the Kuria community, where some residents have historically depended on small-scale mining activities.
The claim alleged that attempts by locals to access waste rock for subsistence were met with disproportionate force, reportedly resulting in more than 70 deaths over two decades.
Barrick welcomed the ruling, stating that it affirms the position that Tanzanian courts are best placed to handle the case.
The outcome has, however, drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders, including human rights advocates such as Amnesty International, reflecting ongoing debate over accountability and access to justice in transnational corporate disputes.
10th Apr 2026
Source: The Guardian
TCRA REPORTS 5G COVERAGE REACHES ONE-THIRD OF TANZANIANS
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority has announced that by December 2025, 5G services had reached 30.13% of Tanzania’s population and covered 10.9% of the country’s landmass, with every region now hosting at least one 5G installation.
Speaking at a press conference, Jabiri Bakari highlighted the rapid expansion of advanced internet technologies over the past four years. He noted that since its introduction in 2022, 5G has grown to serve nearly one-third of the population, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation.
Dr. Bakari emphasized that the communications sector has experienced significant growth driven by strong policy frameworks and effective spectrum management, resulting in a 400% increase in service coverage nationwide.
This expansion has been supported by the National Information and Communications Technologies Backbone, whose capacity increased tenfold from 200 Gbps to 2,000 Gbps.
The improved infrastructure is enabling broader access to digital services, including e-commerce and e-government platforms. He added that connectivity gains are also reflected in the number of active SIM cards, which more than doubled from 52.8 million to over 106.8 million during the same period, reinforcing Tanzania’s progress toward a more inclusive digital economy.
Source: Daily News
TISEZA REGISTERS OVER 14,200 INVESTMENT PROJECTS
The Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority has registered 14,209 investment projects and issued certificates of recognition, reflecting continued growth in both local and foreign investment activity.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly in Dodoma, Pius Chaya explained that the authority continues to register projects based on established capital thresholds. He was responding to a question from Neema Majule.
Dr. Chaya also highlighted efforts to leverage digital innovation through the development of a National Private Sector Investment Database. The system will integrate data from multiple institutions involved in company registration, improving access to accurate information on investment levels, job creation, and overall economic impact.
In addition, the government is running a nationwide campaign to promote domestic investment and encourage unregistered investors to formalize their operations through TISEZA, aiming to strengthen transparency and enhance the country’s investment ecosystem.
Source: Daily News
BRELA LAUNCHES UPGRADED ONLINE SERVICES PLATFORM (BOS)
The Business Registrations and Licensing Agency has launched an upgraded digital platform, the BRELA Online Services (BOS), to streamline business and industrial license registration processes in Tanzania.
According to a public statement issued in Dar es Salaam, BOS officially began offering services on April 8, 2026, starting with the registration of new business names and industrial licenses. New applicants are required to use BOS, while those with ongoing applications will continue using the existing Online Registration System (ORS) during the transition period.
Isidor Nkindi explained that BOS currently covers two key modules-business name registration and industrial licensing, as part of a phased rollout designed to eventually consolidate multiple services into a single integrated system.
He noted that other services, including company registration, certificates of good standing, trademarks, and ongoing filings, will remain under ORS for now. These include changes of company particulars, annual returns, document filings, cancellations, trademark and patent registrations, and payment of maintenance fees.
The introduction of BOS is expected to simplify procedures, reduce processing delays, and improve accessibility for both local and international entrepreneurs, marking another step toward a more efficient and digitally driven business environment in Tanzania.
