Dar es Salaam, 1 July 2025
In a major step toward modernizing Tanzania’s investment landscape, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Mr. Gilead John Teri as the inaugural Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA).
The appointment was announced on Tuesday through a statement from the Directorate of Presidential Communications, following the creation of TISEZA under the newly enacted Investment and Special Economic Zones Act No. 6 of 2025.
A New Era for Investment Coordination
TISEZA consolidates the mandates of the former Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) into one unified authority. The aim is to streamline investment processes, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and create a more effective coordination mechanism across the investment value chain.
Mr. Teri, who served as Executive Director of TIC since 2023, brings deep experience in both public and international advisory roles, having worked with the European Union and the Government of Denmark on strategic investment initiatives.
Reforms Anchored in Law
The establishment of TISEZA follows the passage of the Act by the National Assembly on February 13, 2025. According to the TIC’s Q1 2025 Quarterly Bulletin, the law introduces a comprehensive reform agenda that includes:
- Creation of an investment land bank, allowing private landowners and companies to register available plots for potential investors
- Enhancement of the One Stop Facilitation Centre, offering digital access to services from various ministries and regulatory bodies
- Clear thresholds and criteria for strategic investor status, requiring minimum capital of USD 20 million for local investors and USD 50 million for foreign investors
- Mandatory registration of all investments with TISEZA for better national planning and policy formulation
Vision Backed by Strong Leadership
Presenting the Bill to Parliament, Minister of State (Planning and Investment), Professor Kitila Mkumbo, said the legislation is pivotal to improving the investment climate.
“The law centralises investment facilitation. For example, manufacturing investors will benefit from streamlined procedures for licensing, land acquisition, and permits,” he noted.
Prof. Mkumbo also emphasized the government's focus on strategic, capital-intensive sectors, where public investment remains critical due to limited private sector interest.
Strengthening Public Institutions
The broader reform effort is part of a national drive to enhance the performance of public institutions and eliminate mandate duplication. Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu, speaking last year in Dar es Salaam, reaffirmed the government's commitment to phasing out underperforming entities.
“Public corporations contribute over 90 per cent of the government’s non-tax revenue,” said Mr. Mchechu. “Our goal is to align public institutions with the country’s development goals by enhancing efficiency and reducing overlaps.”
What TISEZA Represents
TISEZA is expected to play a central role in driving investment, both domestic and foreign, by serving as a one-stop hub for investors, ensuring transparency, speed, and coordination in service delivery.
As Director General, Mr. Gilead Teri is now tasked with operationalising the Authority, implementing reforms, and delivering on the promise of a modernised investment ecosystem that positions Tanzania as a competitive destination in the region.
Stay connected to our blog for continued coverage on economic reforms, investment policy, and strategic leadership shaping Tanzania’s future.
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