Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) Launched to Boost Investment With One-Stop Centre

The Ministry of Planning and Investment officially launched the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) on 1 July 2025, marking a new phase in the country’s investment reform agenda with the operational start of a one-stop investment facilitation centre.

The establishment of TISEZA follows the enactment of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Act, 2025, which was signed into law by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to streamline investment procedures, improve coordination, and eliminate red tape.

TISEZA is the result of a merger between the former Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), unifying investment and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) services under one authority.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed Gilead John Teri, who previously served as Executive Director of TIC, as Director General of TISEZA.

Speaking at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), the Minister of State for Planning and Investment, Hon. Prof. Kitila Mkumbo (MP), described the formation of TISEZA as a “transformative step” toward making Tanzania more investor-friendly.

“With a single authority, investors will be able to complete all necessary processes in one place,” Prof. Mkumbo said. “This will reduce hassle and significantly enhance ease of doing business in the country.”

The newly enacted law introduces several major reforms, including the creation of a digitalised One-Stop Facilitation Centre for all investment-related government services, the implementation of clearer and more transparent criteria for strategic investor status, and streamlined procedures for registration, approval, and aftercare.

These changes aim to increase efficiency, reduce duplication of effort, and offer investors greater confidence and clarity in managing their operations in Tanzania.

The launch of TISEZA is part of broader efforts by the Government of Tanzania to position the country as a competitive destination for both domestic and international investors, with improved transparency, support, and regulatory clarity.

TISEZA’s One-Stop Centre will provide coordinated services across key government institutions involved in investment facilitation, including licensing, immigration, taxation, and utilities, with the goal of accelerating investment approvals and project implementation.

The former Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), established in 1997, was the Government’s primary agency for investment promotion and facilitation. EPZA, established in 2006, was responsible for managing and regulating Export Processing Zones and Special Economic Zones.

With TISEZA, these two mandates are now integrated, making it the central authority responsible for overseeing investment and SEZ development across the country.