Tanzania Launches Preparations for Second Blueprint for Regulatory Reform to Improve Business Environment (MKUMBI II)

Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has officially launched the preparations for the Second Blueprint for Regulatory Reform to Improve the Business Environment (MKUMBI II).

The launch, held on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, marked the handover of tools to a special committee tasked with reviewing the achievements and challenges of the First Blueprint for Regulatory Reform (MKUMBI I) and preparing the framework for MKUMBI II.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Majaliwa emphasized that the new plan will address economic, social, and technological changes to create a more conducive environment for businesses and investors.

He stated, “The government will continue to provide full cooperation to all stakeholders to achieve the goal of creating a favorable business and investment environment. We expect this plan to significantly contribute to our national goals of achieving a sustainable middle-income economy.”

For his part, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Professor Kitila Mkumbo, highlighted three key aspects of the initiative.

First, he noted that the government’s decision to launch MKUMBI II demonstrates its responsiveness to the concerns of the private sector, acknowledging that while MKUMBI I achieved significant progress, there is still room for improvement.

Second, Professor Mkumbo emphasized the importance of adapting to changing global business dynamics. He explained that MKUMBI II comes at a critical time to align with current economic, technological, and commercial realities, ensuring that Tanzania remains competitive in the global market.

Third, he pointed to the government’s strategic approach to addressing challenges in the business and investment sector. He mentioned the establishment of the Presidential Commission on Taxation, which, when combined with the work of the MKUMBI II committee, is expected to provide a comprehensive roadmap for improving the business environment.

Commenting on the launch, the EU in Tanzania posted on its X account: “Tanzania launched the Blueprint 2.0 consultations to improve the business and investment environment. The EU is proud to support these reforms for a stronger, competitive economy, more jobs, and sustainable growth.”

Background on MKUMBI I

The First Blueprint for Regulatory Reform to Improve the Business Environment (MKUMBI I) was introduced in 2018 by the Fifth Phase Government under the leadership of then-President John Pombe Magufuli.

The initiative was launched to address the challenges faced by businesses and investors in Tanzania, with the goal of creating a more business-friendly environment and attracting both domestic and foreign investment.

MKUMBI I focused on streamlining regulations, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and improving infrastructure to support businesses and investors.

Key achievements included the simplification of business registration processes, the establishment of one-stop centers for investors, and the reduction of regulatory barriers that previously hindered business operations.

The blueprint was a response to the private sector’s concerns about the complexity of doing business in Tanzania. It aimed to improve the country’s ranking in global ease-of-doing-business indices and position Tanzania as a competitive investment destination in the region.

While MKUMBI I achieved significant progress, challenges such as the need for more comprehensive tax reforms, better alignment with global business trends, and enhanced technological integration remained. These gaps highlighted the need for a second phase, leading to the development of MKUMBI II.