The government has urged the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) to further strengthen its oversight of market competition, saying effective regulation is critical to protecting consumers and sustaining confidence in public institutions.
Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Dennis Londo said fair competition ensures consumers access quality goods and services while supporting long-term economic growth.
“Competition in the market builds consumer trust because this is where citizens interact most directly with government systems through services and products,” Mr Londo said during his visit to the FCC headquarters in Dar es Salaam.
He said President Samia Suluhu Hassan expects the commission to continue enforcing competition laws transparently and consistently, with consumers placed at the centre of market regulation.
According to Mr Londo, effective competition discourages poor-quality products and unethical business practices, while encouraging efficiency and innovation across sectors.
He also stressed the need to safeguard the quality of locally produced goods, warning that substandard products—especially those destined for export markets—could damage Tanzania’s reputation and undermine foreign exchange earnings.
“Tanzania trades with many countries. If our products fail to meet required standards, the country risks losing markets and economic opportunities,” he said.
The deputy minister called on FCC staff to maintain high service standards that support industrial investment and job creation, particularly for young people, adding that this aligns with the government’s broader economic agenda under Vision 2050.
“I am confident that through close collaboration between the FCC and the ministry, Tanzanians will continue to benefit from a transparent and competitive market for both local and imported products,” Mr Londo said.
On her part, Acting FCC Director General Khadija Ngasongwa said the commission remains committed to enforcing competition and consumer protection laws to support inclusive economic growth.
“The FCC continues to work closely with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, government institutions, development partners and the private sector to ensure the market operates efficiently and fairly,” Ms Ngasongwa said.
She explained that the commission regulates anti-competitive agreements, abuse of market dominance and mergers that could undermine competition, while also protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive practices.
Ms Ngasongwa said recent amendments to the Fair Competition Act have strengthened the FCC’s mandate by allowing it to determine consumer protection cases administratively, rather than relying solely on the courts.
“This has improved efficiency in resolving consumer-related disputes and enhanced enforcement of the law,” she said.
She added that the FCC actively investigates and takes action against traders involved in the importation, production and sale of counterfeit goods, while also promoting compliance through competition advocacy and public awareness campaigns.
The acting director general said the commission has also taken steps to promote investment by raising the merger notification threshold from TZS 800 million to TZS 3.5 billion, a move aimed at easing growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“This reform has enabled SMEs to merge and expand without unnecessary regulatory hurdles, improving access to finance, technology and broader market participation,” she said.
Ms Ngasongwa noted that mergers have contributed to increased capital formation, improved production technologies, higher productivity and wider consumer choice, while also boosting government revenue through taxation.
She said the FCC has expanded its reach by opening zonal offices in Mwanza, Arusha, Mbeya and Tanga, in addition to Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, strengthening enforcement of competition and trademark laws nationwide.
The commission has also attained ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality service delivery, a milestone Ms Ngasongwa said reinforces investor confidence.
“A well-regulated, competitive market is essential for ease of doing business and sustainable investment. Our role is to ensure fairness, protect consumers and maintain trust in the market,” she said.