DODOMA: Fair Competition Commission has approved several major mining investments and industrial mergers worth billions of dollars over the past year, a move authorities say reflects growing investor confidence while strengthening safeguards for consumers.
Speaking to reporters in Dodoma on Thursday, Acting Director General Khadija Ngasongwa said the regulator had authorised transactions in the mining sector exceeding $2.6 billion, alongside more than 103.9 billion Tanzanian shillings (about $40 million) in manufacturing mergers.
“The approvals signal strong investor interest in Tanzania while ensuring that competition laws and consumer protections are upheld,” Ngasongwa said.
Among the largest transactions cleared by the commission is the acquisition of shares in Tanzania China International Mineral Resources Limited by China-based Shudao Investment Group Co., Ltd.
The company is implementing the Mchuchuma coal project and the Liganga iron ore and steel project in southern Tanzania, developments valued at more than $2.3 billion and considered among the country’s largest planned mining and industrial ventures.
The commission also approved share acquisitions involving Mamba Minerals Corporation Limited and China’s Shenghe Resources Co., Limited under the Ngualla rare earth project in southern Tanzania.
The project is expected to attract around $320 million in capital investment, create about 600 jobs during construction, and generate 220 permanent positions once operations begin.
Ngasongwa said the regulator carefully reviews such transactions to ensure they comply with national competition laws.
“FCC remains vigilant to ensure that large corporations acquiring stakes in local mining companies adhere to competition regulations and maintain fair market practices,” she said.
Alongside facilitating investment, the commission has intensified enforcement against counterfeit and misleading products under the Merchandise Marks Act of 1963.
Ngasongwa said counterfeit goods distort fair competition and harm legitimate businesses.
“Counterfeit products undermine fair trade and deceive consumers. Our enforcement ensures companies compete on the basis of quality, innovation and legal compliance,” she said.
Manufacturing, agriculture and energy mergers
Beyond mining, the regulator approved seven manufacturing mergers worth more than 103.9 billion shillings, reflecting expansion in the country’s industrial sector.
Two agricultural sector transactions valued at 20.4 billion shillings were also cleared, alongside four deals in the energy industry.
Among the energy approvals was the acquisition of a 54.1% stake in Songas Limited by GasGenX Power Limited, a move expected to strengthen electricity generation and supply in the East African country.
Tourism sector consolidation
The commission also cleared four mergers in the tourism sector aimed at strengthening financial capacity and improving service quality in Tanzania’s safari industry.
These include Nawiri Group Limited’s acquisition of Asilia Lodges and Camps Limited’s Southern Tanzania operations, which run safari camps in major wildlife destinations such as Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Another approved deal involved MechEng B.V acquiring R&M Tanzania Specialist Limited.
Ngasongwa said the transactions align with national efforts to promote tourism internationally, including campaigns such as the Royal Tour initiative launched in recent years.
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Health and financial sector deals
In the health sector, three mergers were approved, including Tasakhtaa Hospital Limited’s acquisition of shares in Regency Medical Centre Limited, a move expected to expand medical investment and improve access to healthcare services.
The commission also authorised four transactions in the financial sector, including Toppan Global Security Limited’s investment in DZ Card (Africa) Limited to strengthen digital payment security.
Another deal involved Soren Investment Company Limited and Habib African Bank Limited, aimed at strengthening banking capital and expanding credit availability.
Legal reforms and digitalisation
Ngasongwa said amendments to the Competition Act passed in September 2024 now allow the FCC to resolve consumer complaints internally, reducing the need for lengthy court processes.
The regulator is also modernising its operations through a three-year partnership worth 1.56 billion shillings with TradeMark Africa. The programme is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway.
The initiative will digitise the commission’s systems and strengthen enforcement capacity.
Ngasongwa said the FCC contributed 612 million shillings to the government’s consolidated fund during the 2025/26 financial year, supporting national development programmes including youth empowerment.
“The commission’s dual mandate is clear,” she said. “We must protect consumers while facilitating sustainable investment and economic growth.”
Tanzania has been seeking to expand investment in strategic sectors such as mining, energy and tourism as part of broader efforts to accelerate economic growth and industrialisation in the East African nation.
