The Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar Fair Competition Commission (ZFCC) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, September 29, 2025, signaling a strategic step toward consolidating cooperation between the two authorities.
The MoU outlines a structured collaboration across several critical areas, including the exchange of vital information, joint training programs to enhance staff capacity, coordinated investigations into business competition issues, company mergers, and trademark-related matters.
Additionally, the agreement emphasizes joint public education to inform citizens of their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace.
The MoU is also designed to foster a fairer business environment, promote transparency, protect consumer interests, and support ethical business practices across the United Republic of Tanzania.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Hashil Abdallah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Trade (mainland Tanzania), positioned the MoU within the broader context of economic growth and rising foreign investment.
“Investment is growing, which inevitably brings both fair and unfair competition challenges. These authorities must ensure justice in business practices so that quality products reach consumers. Without oversight, counterfeiting can damage the country’s business reputation,” he said.
In a conducive implementation move, Dr. Abdallah directed the two commissions through the MoU to establishes operational guidelines.
Each commission is required to appoint teams to oversee its execution, according to him.
"Within three months, both Commissions are expected to produce a detailed roadmap that specifies planned activities, timelines, and evaluation mechanisms,' he said, stressing on regular assessments and joint seminars to ensure staff develop a shared understanding of their responsibilities and strengthen institutional capacity.
Dr. Said Seif Mzee, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Zanzibar’s Ministry of Industry, highlighted the preventive role of the MoU in mitigating disputes and ensuring equitable treatment of investors.
“These authorities are crucial in today’s industrial and competitive business environment. Without proper oversight, some investors could be unfairly advantaged while others disadvantaged. We want this agreement to be implemented in practice, not just remain on paper,” he said, calling for a copy of the MoU to be maintained at Zanzibar’s Ministry of Industry and Business Development for monitoring purposes.
Dr. Aggrey Mlimuka, Chairman of FCC, described the agreement as more than a formal arrangement, framing it as “a new beginning for institutional collaboration to improve competition and consumer protection in both jurisdictions.”
Prof. Mohammed Hafidh Khalfan, Chairman of ZFCC, underscored the strategic importance of competition authorities in protecting the economy and ensuring that products benefit consumers while contributing to national revenue.
“Counterfeit products undermine investor confidence. This MoU will ensure consumer protection, economic stability, and the realization of the vision of our elected leaders,” he said.
Acting Director General of FCC, Ms. Khadija Ngasongwa, emphasized the political commitment reflected in the agreement and its role in sustaining fair markets.
“Our economy is growing rapidly, and cross-border business activities are increasingly interconnected. Unfair competition and consumer rights violations affect both sides of the Union. This strategic collaboration strengthens our capacity to address these challenges,” she said.
ZFCC Acting Director General, Ms. Aliya Juma, affirmed the commission’s commitment to fully implement the MoU, aiming to resolve ongoing challenges and maintain seamless business operations while safeguarding consumer rights.
Observers note that this MoU represents a pivotal step in enhancing fair competition, ensuring ethical business practices, and protecting consumers across Tanzania.