TIRA
TIRA was established in 2009 under Section 5 of the Insurance Act No. 10 of 2009 and operates under the general supervision of the Ministry responsible for Finance.
TIRA is responsible for coordinating policy and other matters relating to insurance in the United Republic of Tanzania and for ensuring the orderly development of the insurance industry. Its mandate covers the registration and licensing of insurance market participants, regulation and supervision of insurance activities, consumer protection, insurance education and awareness, market development and advising the Government on insurance-related policy matters.
The Authority also has responsibility for regulating and supervising Universal Health Insurance in Tanzania Mainland under the Universal Health Insurance Act No. 13 of 2023.
TIRA's mission is to develop, promote and maintain an inclusive, efficient, fair, safe and stable insurance market for the benefit and protection of insurance beneficiaries. Its vision is to be a world-class insurance regulator.
Regulation and Supervision of the Insurance Sector
A core responsibility of TIRA is to ensure that insurance businesses operate in accordance with the law and applicable regulatory requirements.
The Authority registers and licenses insurance companies, intermediaries and other insurance market participants and supervises their activities. It develops and issues regulations, guidelines and other requirements governing the insurance industry, including requirements relating to insurance products, reinsurance, corporate governance, capital adequacy, investment of minimum capital, external auditors and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA).
TIRA's supervisory role is intended to promote the stability and sustainability of the insurance subsector while ensuring that regulated entities meet their obligations to policyholders and beneficiaries.
The Authority also maintains information on licensed insurance entities, providing the public and other stakeholders with a means of identifying regulated participants in the insurance market.
Consumer Protection and Insurance Awareness
Protecting consumers and insurance beneficiaries is a central part of TIRA's mandate.
The Authority works to ensure that consumers have access to information about insurance products and services and understand their rights and responsibilities. It conducts insurance education and public-awareness programmes targeting different sections of society.
TIRA's awareness activities have included programmes for students and young people, journalists, farmers and livestock keepers, as well as the general public at financial-services and agricultural events. The Authority has also worked to improve understanding of insurance among media professionals and to introduce younger generations to insurance and its role in managing financial risks.
These activities support TIRA's broader objective of increasing insurance awareness and addressing barriers to wider insurance uptake.
Development of Tanzania's Insurance Market
TIRA is not only a regulator but also has a mandate to promote the development of the insurance market.
The Authority works to encourage the expansion of insurance coverage and the development of an inclusive insurance market capable of serving individuals, businesses and different sectors of the economy.
TIRA's market-development work addresses challenges including limited insurance awareness, restricted access to insurance, limited distribution channels and the need for insurance products that respond to the changing needs of consumers and businesses.
The National Inclusive Insurance Strategy 2025–2030 places particular emphasis on improving consumer awareness, providing clear and accessible insurance information, strengthening policyholder rights and expanding insurance inclusion.
Insurance can provide protection against financial risks across sectors including agriculture, transport, property, health, energy and business, making the development of the insurance market an important component of Tanzania's broader financial-sector development.
Innovation and Digital Transformation
TIRA is also involved in efforts to encourage innovation and technological development within the insurance industry.
The Authority has worked with development partners on regulatory sandboxes, data analytics, digital transformation, stakeholder partnerships and innovative insurance solutions.
TIRA has also participated in insurance innovation initiatives focused on areas such as insurance for small and medium-sized enterprises, health insurance and products designed to address climate-related risks.
Innovation can help insurance providers develop new products, reach previously underserved customers and use digital channels to make insurance more accessible.
Universal Health Insurance
TIRA has a specific regulatory and supervisory role in Universal Health Insurance.
Under the Universal Health Insurance Act No. 13 of 2023, TIRA is mandated to regulate and supervise Universal Health Insurance in Tanzania Mainland.
This responsibility adds a significant health-insurance dimension to TIRA's wider mandate and places the Authority within the regulatory framework governing the development and implementation of Universal Health Insurance.
TIRA also incorporates Universal Health Insurance into its public education and awareness activities as part of its efforts to improve understanding of insurance and health-insurance services.
TIRA Leadership
Dr. Baghayo Saqware is the Commissioner of Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority.
He has served as Commissioner of Insurance and CEO of TIRA during two periods, from 2017 to 2019 and from 2022 to date.
TIRA Information, Regulations and Market Data
TIRA publishes regulatory information and documents relevant to insurance companies, intermediaries, consumers and other stakeholders in the insurance sector.
These include regulations, guidelines, circulars and other regulatory requirements, as well as information on licensed insurance entities. The Authority also publishes insurance market information and annual market-performance reports covering the development and performance of Tanzania's insurance industry.
This information provides a reference point for insurance professionals, companies, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders following developments in Tanzania's insurance market.
TIRA Offices and Contact
Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority
TIRA BIMA HOUSE
Block G, Plot 8, TIRA Street
Njedengwa, P.O.BOX 2987
Dodoma, Tanzania
Phone: +255 222 132 537
Web: https://www.tira.go.tz/
Email: coi@tira.go.tz
TIRA News and Developments
The latest news, regulatory developments, announcements, and initiatives relating to the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority can be found below.
