By Mwanamkasi Jumbe
As Tanzania shifts from the launch to the implementation phase of its new long-term development blueprint, Tanzania Development Vision 2050 (Dira 2050), the government has begun a sweeping review of laws to ensure they are fit for purpose in a modern, globally competitive economy.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG), working alongside the Law Reform Commission of Tanzania, has initiated the process of amending legislation that may hinder or fall short of the ambitions set out in the Vision.
The move follows a directive from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has tasked legal institutions, led by the OAG, with harmonising the country’s laws to support the Vision’s implementation.
Attorney General Hamza Johari confirmed the development in Parliament in Dodoma while contributing to the budget debate for the President’s Office. He emphasised that the legal reforms are not merely procedural, but foundational to achieving the country’s long-term socio-economic transformation goals.
“After the launch and commencement of implementation of Vision 2050, it is imperative that our legal framework reflects and supports its aspirations,” he said. Implementation of Dira 2050 – of which 70 percent of the financing is expected to come from the private sector – is set to commence in the upcoming fiscal year.
Aligning laws with economic transformation
At the heart of this legal reform agenda is the recognition that outdated or restrictive laws could slow investment, innovation, and economic growth. Dira 2050 envisions Tanzania as a high-income, inclusive, and industrialized economy, anchored on private sector growth, efficient institutions, and integration into global markets.
One of the laws under scrutiny is the Natural Wealth and Resources (Permanent Sovereignty) Act, particularly provisions that may limit flexibility in resolving disputes related to natural resource investments. During the debate, lawmaker Edward Ole Lekaita proposed amendments to Section 11, suggesting the removal of restrictions that confine dispute resolution processes to a single jurisdiction.
AG Johari acknowledged the concerns, noting that such feedback has been consistently raised by stakeholders, especially investors seeking predictability and alignment with international best practices.
“This is among the laws we are reviewing to ensure they properly align with Dira 2050 and serve as a bridge toward achieving its goals,” he said.
The proposed amendments are particularly significant in the context of Tanzania’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment. Flexible and internationally compatible dispute resolution mechanisms are widely seen as critical in boosting investor confidence, especially in capital-intensive sectors such as mining, energy, and infrastructure.
Parliament’s oversight role remains intact
Beyond statutory reforms, the debate also touched on institutional accountability in implementing the Vision. MP Ole Lekaita had suggested that Parliament’s Standing Orders be amended to formalize procedures for receiving progress reports on Dira 2050.
However, AG Johari cautioned against unnecessary legislative changes that could dilute Parliament’s constitutional authority. Citing the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, specifically Article 63(3), he noted that Parliament already has sufficient powers to demand information and oversight reports from the government.
“Parliament should not downgrade its constitutional powers by shifting them into regulations,” he said, adding that the August House retains the authority to amend its own Standing Orders whenever necessary.
Why the reforms matter now
The legal alignment exercise comes at a critical juncture. With Dira 2050 positioning Tanzania for long-term competitiveness, the coherence between policy, law, and institutional practice will determine the pace and sustainability of progress.
By modernising laws, the government aims to remove bottlenecks, strengthen governance, and create a predictable environment for both domestic and international investors. Equally, the reforms are expected to reinforce accountability mechanisms, ensuring that implementation of the Vision remains on track. In essence, the ongoing legal overhaul signals a broader shift – from policy ambition to actionable frameworks – underscoring the government’s intent to translate Dira 2050 from aspiration into measurable reality.
