Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on May 8, 2025.
Tanzania, Mozambique to Establish Joint Economic Commission
Tanzania and Mozambique have agreed to establish a Joint Economic Commission aimed at closely monitoring bilateral agreements and boosting trade and economic cooperation, thereby accelerating mutual collaboration.
Speaking at the State House in Dar es Salaam after receiving Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo—who is in Tanzania for a three-day working visit that began on May 7, 2025, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, stated that despite the strong historical, diplomatic, and political ties between the two nations, economic cooperation has lagged behind.
As a result, the two friendly countries have resolved to deepen their partnership, particularly in the areas of trade and the economy. Discussions with the Mozambican delegation led to an agreement to enhance the business and investment environment by establishing a joint economic commission.
“We have also agreed to fast-track the establishment of joint border posts,” said President Samia, “Currently, our people cross the Mozambique border through Ruvuma and other areas, but they face challenges such as document inspections and related issues.”
During the bilateral talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several agreements covering sectors such as trade and the economy, security, cultural development, information exchange, regulation of medicines and medical equipment, education, and air transportation.
Trade between the two countries amounted to approximately $57.8 million in 2023—an amount considered low compared to many of Tanzania’s other neighbors with Tanzania showing a significant trade surplus over Mozambique.
Speaking at the summit, President Chapo expressed Mozambique’s keen interest in strengthening collaboration with Tanzania in areas such as air transport, the blue economy, and mineral resources, emphasizing that Mozambique is richly endowed with natural wealth.
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Zanzibar Launches First-Ever Labour Law Conference to Future-Proof Its Workforce
Zanzibar has hosted its first-ever Labour Law Conference, organized by the Tanzanite CEOs Roundtable Zanzibar Chapter. The one-day event aimed to explore innovative solutions to meet evolving workforce demands and modernize labor laws, as the semi-autonomous archipelago continues to expand its economy.
Speaking at the event, guest of honor Ambassador Togolani Mavura highlighted Zanzibar’s strategic position in the global maritime, logistics, and fishing value chains. He emphasized that economic transformation will bring inevitable disruptions, calling for adaptive and responsive labor policies.
“As we diversify the economy and introduce new sectors, our labor laws must become more flexible to address industry-specific needs. You cannot treat tourism workers the same way you treat oil and gas workers,” said Mavura.
The conference brought together policymakers, CEOs, labor commissioners, and legal experts under the theme “Future-Proofing: Innovative Solutions on Workforce Demands and Labor Laws.”
Rashid Othman, from the Zanzibar Labour Commission (ZLC), described the event as a vital platform to address current labor challenges and promote social dialogue.
“This is an opportunity to reflect on workforce strengths, share best practices and research, discuss reforms, and build partnerships critical to future progress,” he said.
Yusuph Mwarab, CEO of the Tanzanite CEOs Roundtable Zanzibar Chapter, noted that the conference aligns with the organization’s third pillar—ethical leadership. He underscored the importance of dynamic engagement among CEOs and business leaders to exchange ideas, solve challenges, and drive sustainable development.
Fixing the Criminal Justice System Is Key to Accountability in Tanzania’s Extractives Sector
Several laws govern criminal law in Tanzania. The Penal Code lists criminal offences and their penalties. The Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) details procedures for, among others, arrest, crime investigation and prosecution. The Police Force and Auxiliary Services Act establishes the police force, while the Police General Orders provide for policing procedures.
The Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Economic and Organised Crimes Control Act combat economic sabotage and resource smuggling. The anti-smuggling police unit runs operations to protect natural resources. Section 7 of the Regional Administration Act and section 177 of the Local Government (District Authorities) Act empower Regional and District Commissioners to detain any individual for 48 hours if they commit or are suspected of committing an offence in their presence.
The police are mandated, by all standards—local, section 21 of the CPA and international—to use force solely as a proportionate measure of last resort. Despite such a mandatory requirement, there have been continued incidents of use of force leading to loss of lives and injuries. Detention powers are abusively used against civilians in conflicts with investors, often involving inhumane treatment. Anti-smuggling operations raise legal concerns about extreme use of force, prolonged detentions and malicious charges.
Police, extractives and the community
As noted earlier, the police provide security to extractive companies. In doing so, they arrest and detain people suspected of committing crimes in the extractive sector. However, it is the police who often engage in criminal activities, such as shooting, injuring and killing civilians for allegedly ‘intruding’ mine sites.
Rights bodies such as RAID, Human Rights Watch, Mining Watch Canada, and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre have documented some incidents of killings. Tanzania’s Legal and Human Rights Centre has noted with concern incidents of extrajudicial killings and injury of civilians near the then Acacia North Mara mining site. Despite reports implicating the police, accountability has not been merited.
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Bonds of Blood And Strategic Brotherhood: The Enduring Relationship Between Tanzania And Mozambique
Few bilateral relationships in Africa rival the depth, resilience, and historical significance of the bond between Tanzania and Mozambique. Born out of the flames of anti-colonial struggle and cemented through decades of political cooperation, this unique relationship has evolved into a robust strategic partnership.
From the era of gunpowder and guerrilla warfare to the contemporary battles against terrorism, poverty, and climate change, the alliance between Tanzania and Mozambique, underpinned by the ideological fraternity of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and FRELIMO, remains a living testament to Pan-African solidarity.
The liberation of Mozambique from Portuguese colonial rule cannot be fully told without crediting Tanzania’s unwavering support. Under Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Tanzania became the first African nation to offer not just rhetorical solidarity but practical, material, and moral support to southern Africa’s liberation movements.
Mozambique’s liberation war officially began in 1964, led by FRELIMO. Tanzania provided military bases, training facilities, and diplomatic platforms. Regions such as Nachingwea, Mtwara, and Bagamoyo became synonymous with FRELIMO’s preparation and resistance planning. The 1969 assassination of FRELIMO’s first president, Eduardo Mondlane, in Dar es Salaam only deepened the sense of shared sacrifice.
Tanzanians remember vividly the presence of Mozambican fighters, many of whom spoke Swahili and shared Africanist ideologies. In return, FRELIMO, after securing independence in 1975, recognised Tanzania as the most strategic ally in the region, giving rise to a model post-liberation alliance.
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