By Our Correspondent, Dodoma
A Tanzanian parliamentary committee on Thursday commended the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) for reforms that have strengthened service delivery, but cautioned that poor compliance by companies could undermine business regulation.
The Standing Committee on Industries, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock reviewed BRELA’s structure and mandate following a presentation by its Chief Executive Officer, Godfrey Nyaisa.
Committee chairperson Deodatus Mwanyika said the agency’s digital platforms had improved efficiency and reduced administrative delays.
“BRELA has made notable progress, particularly through digital systems that simplify registration and licensing,” Mwanyika said.
However, he noted that many business owners have failed to update their statutory records, limiting regulatory oversight.
“This is a serious challenge, but it is not well understood. Many people own companies yet have not updated their company records,” he said, warning that outdated data complicates policy-making and investment planning.
The committee directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to review the system and recommend reforms to encourage voluntary compliance while improving efficiency.
Mwanyika urged entrepreneurs to update records promptly, saying adherence is key to participating responsibly in the formal economy.
BRELA CEO Nyaisa said the agency would expand engagement with lawmakers and the public to strengthen understanding of its mandate and digital platforms.
He acknowledged that limited awareness and digital literacy remain barriers to full adoption.
“Our system is user-friendly and self-explanatory. A person can access it directly and register a company without unnecessary difficulty,” Nyaisa said, noting that misconceptions about complexity discourage some entrepreneurs from formalising their businesses.
He added that BRELA is expanding public education and proposed recognising company registration agents to assist citizens who encounter challenges.
“The goal is to ensure that when a citizen faces difficulties, they receive help from recognised and trusted agents,” he said.
The committee’s observations reflect a broader challenge in Tanzania’s push for digital reforms: improving systems faster than compliance behaviour adapts.
While BRELA has reduced bottlenecks, sustained adherence by business owners is crucial to strengthening the formal economy and reliable economic data.