Tanzania Weekly Legal Digest: 02-06 November 2026

02^nd Nov 2026
Source: The Guardian
AUTHORITIES MOVE TO REGULATE GAMBLING AND REFORM ASSET MANAGEMENT
The government has outlined a series of measures aimed at ensuring that Tanzania’s economic growth delivers tangible benefits to citizens through increased employment opportunities, higher incomes, improved access to credit, and enhanced social services.

Speaking in Parliament, Deputy Minister for Finance, Eng. Mshamu Ali Munde, said the government is implementing initiatives to expand private sector financing, invest in economic and social infrastructure, support agriculture through input subsidies, and create a conducive environment for business and investment.

He noted that these efforts have contributed to economic growth of 5.9% in 2025, with further growth projected in 2026.

Eng. Munde also announced tighter regulation of gambling activities, particularly slot-machine gaming, following concerns about its impact on young people and rural communities.

He revealed that the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) has suspended the issuance of new licences to foreign operators while reviewing the sector’s regulatory framework.

In addition, the government is undertaking reforms to strengthen the management of unclaimed financial assets and dormant funds, with the aim of improving oversight and ensuring such assets are ultimately protected and returned to their rightful owners.

Source: The Guardian
TANZANIA EXPANDS PRIVATE SECTOR ROLE IN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT 
Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the energy sector through increased private sector participation, strategic infrastructure investments, and expanded regional electricity trade.

Speaking at the Africa Think Tank Summit (ATTS) in Benin, Deputy Minister for Finance Hon. Laurent Luswetula said the government is promoting private investment in electricity generation and distribution to ensure a reliable power supply for households, businesses, and industries while supporting long-term economic growth.

Mr. Luswetula noted that the National Energy Policy of 2015 provides opportunities for private sector participation, with private energy producers already contributing over 350 megawatts to the national grid.

He also highlighted the 2,115 MW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) as a major example of Tanzania’s ability to finance strategic infrastructure using domestic resources.

According to Mr. Luswetula, Tanzania’s electricity generation capacity has now exceeded 4,646 MW, significantly above domestic demand, creating opportunities to export surplus electricity to neighbouring countries and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional energy hub.

Source: Daily News
NEW TAX REGULATIONS TARGET HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY COMPLIANCE
Accommodation and hospitality businesses in Zanzibar are now required to use Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA)-approved Property Management Systems (PMS) and integrate them with the Virtual Fiscal Management System (VFMS) under new tax administration regulations.

Introduced through Legal Notice No. 106 of 2026, the changes also require software vendors serving the sector to obtain approval from ZRA and ensure their systems are compatible with the authority’s electronic tax platform.

The new requirements aim to strengthen tax administration, improve transaction reporting, and enhance compliance within the hospitality sector. Businesses are expected to review their existing systems, upgrade where necessary, and ensure accurate reporting of transactions and VAT-related records.

According to a tax alert issued by PwC Tanzania, failure to comply with the regulations may attract legal penalties, while proper integration is expected to improve transparency, support tax administration, and facilitate compliance with Zanzibar’s evolving tax reporting framework.

03^rd Nov 2026
Source: Daily News
TANZANIA MOVES CLOSER TO LANDMARK LNG INVESTMENT
Tanzania is making significant progress towards the implementation of its long-awaited Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Lindi, a development expected to attract substantial foreign investment, strengthen energy security, and accelerate industrialisation.

The project, valued at approximately USD 42 billion, has reached a major milestone following the conclusion of negotiations on commercial terms, taxation, and revenue-sharing arrangements. The advancement of the project reflects the government’s commitment to creating an attractive investment environment while safeguarding national interests.

The project forms part of Tanzania’s broader energy development agenda under Vision 2050, which identifies the oil and gas sector as a key driver of economic transformation.

In addition, the government has strengthened local participation in the sector by granting the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) four exploration licences to undertake petroleum exploration activities.

The LNG project and related energy investments are expected to generate employment opportunities, support local businesses, promote technology transfer, and enhance Tanzania’s capacity to leverage its natural gas resources for sustainable economic growth and industrial development.

Source: The Citizen
TOURISM SECTOR OPENS NEW INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES IN ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar is seeking to attract Chinese investors to establish manufacturing industries that can support its rapidly growing tourism sector, particularly in the production of hotel furniture, processed foods, and other tourism-related products.

Speaking at the Yellow River Basin Enterprise Going Global and Comprehensive Services Exchange and Matchmaking Conference in China, Hon. Omar Said Shaaban, Zanzibar’s Minister for Trade and Industrial Development, said the expansion of tourism has created significant opportunities in manufacturing, trade, and services linked to hospitality and the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.

Hon. Omar Said Shaaban noted that Zanzibar welcomed approximately 917,000 tourists in 2025, highlighting the growing demand for locally produced goods and services.

He invited Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Zanzibar and welcomed plans for investment missions to assess the islands’ business environment.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to promote industrial development, strengthen local value addition, and increase the economic benefits generated by the tourism sector.

Source: The Citizen
TISEZA REPORTS STRONG INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
Tanzania registered 209 investment projects worth USD 2.81 billion during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, with the investments expected to create approximately 35,638 jobs across the economy.

The manufacturing sector attracted the largest number of projects and projected employment opportunities, while commercial buildings, construction, and economic infrastructure accounted for a significant share of total investment capital, highlighting growing interest in productive industries and long-term economic development.

Presenting the performance results, Mr. Gilead Teri, Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), said manufacturing attracted 115 projects valued at USD 897.6 million, which are expected to generate 23,558 jobs.

Mr. Teri also noted the growing contribution of domestic investment, with capital registered under the General Investment Scheme reaching USD 1.62 billion, while foreign direct investment stood at USD 1.19 billion, led by investors from China and Hong Kong.

He added that TISEZA continues to promote investment through Special Economic Zones and Export Processing Zones while strengthening project monitoring to support industrialisation, job creation, export growth, and the objectives of Tanzania Development Vision 2050.

04^th Nov 2026
Source: The Citizen
TRA LINKS INDUSTRIAL GROWTH TO HIGHER REVENUE COLLECTION
The expansion of industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is expected to play a vital role in broadening Tanzania’s tax base, increasing government revenue, and supporting the country’s long-term economic development goals.

Speaking during an exhibition ahead of the launch of the Industrial Development Policy and the SMEs Development Policy in Dodoma, Mr. Paul John Walalaze, Acting Director of Taxpayer Education and Communication at the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), said industrial growth creates more taxable economic activities and strengthens domestic revenue mobilisation.

Mr. Walalaze noted that the government continues to improve the business environment by supporting industrialisation and facilitating access to opportunities for businesses to expand.

He added that the implementation of Tanzania Development Vision 2050 places industrialisation and private sector participation at the centre of the country’s ambition to build a USD 1 trillion economy by 2050.

He further urged businesses to issue receipts and consumers to demand Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) receipts to promote tax compliance and enhance revenue collection.

Meanwhile, businessman and comedian Maxwell Machange (Mzee Shayo) commended TRA’s efforts to engage taxpayers and provide tax education, describing such initiatives as important in strengthening cooperation between the authority and the business community.

Source: Daily News
STRONG MINING SECTOR PERFORMANCE BOOSTS GOVERNMENT REVENUE
Tanzania’s mining sector recorded a strong performance during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, with the Ministry of Minerals collecting TZS 41.1 billion, equivalent to 117% of its revenue target for the July-September period.

The achievement reflects continued improvements in sector management and oversight, as well as the growing contribution of small-scale miners to government revenue through taxes and statutory payments. The strong performance has been attributed to ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening mineral production, trade, and compliance.

Speaking on developments in the sector, Mr. George Kaseza, Resident Mines Officer for Mirerani, said enhanced supervision, the establishment of mineral trading centres, and improved monitoring systems have strengthened the management and trade of Tanzanite.

He noted that the completion of the Mirerani security wall, the establishment of a mineral market, and the use of modern surveillance technology have contributed to increased transparency and revenue collection.

Meanwhile, Mr. Elisha Mnyawi, Chairperson of the Manyara Regional Miners Association (MAREMA), said miners and traders have become increasingly committed to complying with government regulations and tax obligations.

The ministry expects continued growth in mineral production and trade, supporting the sector’s contribution to national development and economic growth.

Source: Daily News
PUBLIC INVESTMENTS DELIVER TANGIBLE BENEFITS ACROSS TANZANIA
The implementation of Tanzania’s 2025/26 National Budget has played a key role in advancing economic growth, expanding access to essential services, and improving livelihoods through strategic investments in education, energy, infrastructure, and business development.

With government expenditure reaching TZS 40.92 trillion during the period, public resources were directed towards programmes aimed at enhancing economic opportunities, strengthening public services, and supporting the country’s long-term development objectives under Vision 2050.

The budget financed a broad range of initiatives, including free education for over 16.8 million students, higher education loans for 284,487 beneficiaries, rural electrification projects, expansion of electricity generation capacity, and major transport infrastructure investments such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

In addition, funding supported vocational training, business development initiatives, social welfare programmes, and the settlement of government arrears owed to suppliers and contractors.

These investments are intended to promote inclusive growth, improve productivity, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Tanzania’s economic competitiveness.

05^th Nov 2026
Source: The Citizen
BOT EXPLAINS WHY LOWER INTEREST RATES MAY NOT CUT LOAN COSTS
A reduction in the Bank of Tanzania’s (BoT) benchmark interest rate does not automatically result in cheaper loans for businesses and households, as commercial banks independently determine their lending rates based on factors such as funding costs, operating expenses, competition, and credit risk.

Speaking during a seminar for journalists in Dar es Salaam, John Mero, Assistant Manager in the BoT’s Monetary Policy Department, explained that the Central Bank Rate (CBR) serves as a policy benchmark and signal to the financial sector, but does not directly dictate the rates charged by individual banks.

Mr. Mero noted that while changes in the CBR can influence the cost of funds within the banking system, the extent and timing of adjustments vary across financial institutions.

He added that the Bank of Tanzania is implementing measures to improve the lending environment, including strengthening credit reference systems, enhancing financial consumer protection, improving collateral frameworks, and promoting transparency and competition in the financial sector.

According to Mr. Mero, private sector credit growth reached 33.4% in September, reflecting continued expansion in lending to businesses and other private sector borrowers.

Source: The Citizen
COURT ORDERS END TO CORPORAL PUNISHMENT FRAMEWORK
The High Court of Tanzania has declared key provisions of the Education (Corporal Punishment) Regulations, 2002 unconstitutional, ruling that they violate constitutional guarantees of human dignity and freedom from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

In a landmark decision delivered by a panel comprising Justices Amir Mruma, Hassan, and Irene Musokwa, the court invalidated Regulations 2, 3, and 6, holding that they are inconsistent with Articles 12(2) and 13(6)(e) of the Constitution.

The ruling arose from a constitutional petition filed by Mr. Samweli Maduhu Mangu, with support from the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), following the death of Mhoja Maduhu, a Form Two student who allegedly died after being caned at Mwasamba Secondary School in Simiyu Region in 2025.

Commenting on the judgment, Hans Ndengize, a lawyer involved in the case, said the decision underscores the need for schools to adopt alternative disciplinary measures that promote positive behaviour, child protection, and learning without the use of physical punishment.

Source: Daily News
ZANZIBAR MINISTER CALLS FOR GREATER CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPATION
Greater participation in capital markets is essential to mobilising long-term financing, expanding private sector investment, and supporting Tanzania’s economic transformation.

Speaking at the launch of the Orbit Multi-Asset Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) and the opening of Orbit Securities Limited’s Northern Zone Office in Arusha, Dr. Juma Malik Akil, Zanzibar Minister for Finance and Planning, said capital markets will play a critical role in achieving Tanzania’s ambition of increasing private sector participation in the economy to 70% by 2050.

Dr. Akil emphasized the importance of financial literacy and inclusion, urging more Tanzanians, especially young people, to take advantage of investment opportunities available through formal financial markets.

Meanwhile, Mr. Godfrey Malaun, Managing Director of Orbit Securities Limited, explained that the new ETF enables investors to access a professionally managed and diversified portfolio through a single investment.

Mr. Heaven Mosha, Northern Zone Manager of Orbit Securities, said the new Arusha office will bring investment services closer to clients in northern Tanzania.

Additionally, Mr. Benito Kyondo, representing the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), revealed that market capitalisation grew by more than 11% between January and November 2026, with the value of listed companies exceeding TZS 38 trillion, reflecting growing investor confidence in Tanzania’s capital markets.

06^th Nov 2026
Source: The Citizen
BOT DEFENDS 10-YEAR CEO TENURE LIMIT IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has defended its policy limiting chief executive officers of financial institutions to a maximum tenure of 10 years, arguing that prolonged leadership can weaken board oversight, concentrate decision-making power, and hinder effective succession planning.

Speaking on the issue, Mr. Joel Charles, Senior Examiner at the Bank of Tanzania, said the measure is intended to strengthen corporate governance, accountability, and long-term institutional stability by ensuring leadership transitions occur in a structured and sustainable manner.

Mr. Charles explained that the policy is not merely about replacing leaders but about ensuring financial institutions remain resilient and effective beyond individual executives.

He emphasized the importance of succession planning, urging institutions to identify and develop future leaders to guarantee smooth transitions and continuity of operations.

He further noted that the Bank of Tanzania continuously monitors financial institutions through regular reporting and supervision to safeguard stability, protect depositors, and maintain confidence in the financial sector.

Source: The Citizen
PARLIAMENT APPROVES CYBERSECURITY AND SUGAR SECTOR AGREEMENTS
Parliament has ratified the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention) and the International Sugar Agreement of 1992, marking a significant step towards strengthening cybersecurity, data protection, and economic development.

Presenting the Malabo Convention, Hon. Angellah Kairuki, Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, said the agreement will enhance Tanzania’s ability to combat cybercrime, protect personal data, strengthen digital security, and promote cooperation with other countries on emerging cyber threats.

She noted that the treaty will also boost investor confidence and support the growth of the digital economy.

Meanwhile, Mr. Selemani Kakoso, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure, supported the ratification and urged the government to align domestic laws with the convention’s requirements, including legislation on data protection, cybercrime, and electronic transactions.

Presenting the International Sugar Agreement, Hon. Daniel Chongolo, Minister for Agriculture, said the treaty will promote value addition in the sugar industry by encouraging investment in products such as ethanol, electricity, fertilisers, and industrial inputs derived from sugarcane.

He noted that the agreement is expected to expand business opportunities, create jobs, and strengthen Tanzania’s competitiveness in the global sugar market.

Source: The Guardian
TAX DISPUTE SETTLEMENTS COULD UNLOCK BILLIONS IN REVENUE
The government has been urged to explore negotiated settlements with taxpayers involved in long-running tax disputes to unlock part of the estimated TZS 11 trillion currently tied up in legal proceedings.

Speaking in Parliament, Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Mussa Zungu proposed that the government consider agreements allowing the collection of a substantial portion of disputed taxes while legal processes continue, noting that some cases have remained unresolved for more than a decade and continue to delay revenue collection.

Responding to Parliament, Minister for Finance Hon. Hamis Mussa Omar explained that the disputed revenue remains under various stages of the legal dispute resolution process, limiting the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) from enforcing collection until cases are concluded.

He emphasized that the government is committed to strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation while respecting taxpayers’ legal rights and ensuring all institutions operate transparently and in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, Mr. Deodatus Msaburi, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Investments (PIC), called for stronger accountability measures, including special audits and recovery of public funds found to have been spent contrary to regulations.

For general information only - this material does not constitute legal advice.