The Tanzanian government, through the National Sports Council (BMT), has officially launched a process to amend the National Sports Council Act, aiming to transform the sports sector into a key driver of economic growth, investment, and sports tourism.
The initiative was highlighted yesterday in Dar es Salaam during a special stakeholder consultation at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium Hall, where representatives from various sports organizations gathered to provide input and recommendations for the law’s improvement.
Speaking at the meeting, BMT Legal Officer Thadeus Almas said the proposed amendments are designed to align the legislation with modern developments and to recognize sports as a vital contributor to the national economy.
“Sports should not be viewed merely as entertainment,” Almas explained. “They are a sector with significant potential for job creation, investment, and revenue generation. Realizing this potential requires a robust legal framework that reflects the current realities of the industry.”
Almas added that the process begins within BMT through stakeholder consultations. The collected proposals will then be submitted to the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports for review before being presented to Parliament for debate and approval.
Acting Chairman of BMT’s Legal Reform Committee and former Director of Sports Development, Leonard Thadeo, said the reforms will strengthen BMT’s legal mandate, improve governance, and enhance efficiency in sports administration across the country.
“The amendments will also provide sports associations with clear governance structures, enabling transparency, accountability, and adherence to good governance principles,” Thadeo added.
Acting Secretary of the Tanzania Athletics Federation, Lawyer John Manyama, welcomed the proposed reforms, noting the importance of wide stakeholder participation.
“Engaging sports associations has helped identify gaps in the current law,” he said, “allowing for a legal framework that reflects the sector’s real needs and safeguards athletes’ interests.”
In summary, the amendments to the National Sports Council Act aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in sports management, positioning the sector as a strategic pillar for Tanzania’s economic development.