Tanzania flag Tanzania: Business Environment

Business law in Tanzania

Legal Framework

Independence of Justice
The independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by the Article 107 of the Tanzanian Constitution. As such, courts have freedom and are required "only to observe the provisions of the Constitution and those of the laws of the land". The Tanzanian judiciary has been ranked relatively free by the World Economic Forum (Judicial Independence Index). It is ranked 68th out of 137 countries (World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018).
Equal Treatment of Nationals and Foreigners
Equality before the law and the right to fair trial are guaranteed by the Article 13 of the Tanzanian Constitution.
The Language of Justice
Court rulings are made in English (Despite the fact that the official language of Tanzania is Swahili).
Recourse to an Interpreter
Court interpreting services are available in Tanzania (mainly in Swahili and English).
Sources of the Law and Legal Similarities
The Tanzanian legal system is based on the English Common Law, which derives from its British colonial legacy. However, unlike the unwritten British constitutional system, Tanzania has a written constitution, which is the first source of law. The Statutes or Acts of Parliament are the second source of law. Case law is the third source, followed by Received Laws, customary and Islamic law (that is applicable to Muslims).
Checking National Laws Online
Library of Congress - Tanzania Legal Guide
Law Reform Commission of Tanzania - Court of Appeal Judgments

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Latest Update: December 2023

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