The government has suspended all private land transactions and unapproved activities within the Bagamoyo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as part of preparations to develop a large-scale industrial and logistics investment city that is expected to benefit the wider public.
In a public notice issued on December 16, 2025, the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) said the decision is aimed at protecting both citizens and the state from illegal land dealings that could undermine orderly development.
The authority made it clear that the sale, purchase or transfer of land within the designated SEZ area is not allowed, warning that anyone who buys land in the area risks losing their money.
TISEZA also prohibited activities that could damage the land or interfere with planning, including sand extraction, charcoal burning, tree cutting, land encroachment and the construction of new buildings without government approval.
The authority said these restrictions are necessary to preserve the area while official development processes are underway, adding that those who ignore the directives will face legal consequences.
On compensation, the authority assured citizens that the government is following legal procedures to ensure fairness.
Some residents have already been compensated, with their land formally taken over for development. Other areas that were previously assessed are now being revalued, while land that has not yet been valued will be assessed in the coming stages so that rightful landowners receive due compensation.
The Bagamoyo SEZ was established through Government Notice No. 123 of May 24, 2013, with the goal of creating a modern industrial and logistics hub that will generate employment, improve infrastructure and expand economic opportunities for Tanzanians.
The project, previously overseen by the Export Processing Zones Authority, is now under the coordination of TISEZA.
TISEZA called on citizens to cooperate with the directives and to verify whether their land falls within the SEZ boundaries before engaging in any transactions or developments.
The authority stressed that safeguarding the land now is crucial to ensuring that the Bagamoyo SEZ delivers long-term benefits, including jobs, investment and improved livelihoods for current and future generations.