The Tanzania Trade Development Authority Act

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.515
CHAPTER 155
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title and commencement.
2. Application.
3. Interpretation.
PART II
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
4. Establishment of Authority.
5. Functions of Authority.
6. Board of Directors.
7. Powers and duties of Board.
8. Appointment and functions of Director General.
9. Other officers and employees.
10. Committees and sub-committees.
11. Directorates, sections and units.
PART III
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
12. Source of funds.
13. Loans.
14. Estimates of income and expenditure.
15. Accounts and audit.
16. Annual report.
17. Annual accounts and report to be laid before National Assembly.
18. Performance audit.
19. Superannuation benefits.

and audit.
16. Annual report.
17. Annual accounts and report to be laid before National Assembly.
18. Performance audit.
19. Superannuation benefits.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
516
20. Assets and liabilities.
PART IV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
21. Minister may give directions to Board.
22. Non-disclosure of information offered.
23. Powers of Authority to request for information, document or giving evidence.
24. Authorisation of trade promotional events
25. General penalties.
26. Compounding of offences
27. Powers of Minister to make regulations.
28. Protection from personal liability.
29. Remuneration of members of Board.
30. Minister may vary Schedule.
31. Notification of orders, etc.
32. Repeal and savings.
SCHEDULE

nal liability.
29. Remuneration of members of Board.
30. Minister may vary Schedule.
31. Notification of orders, etc.
32. Repeal and savings.
SCHEDULE

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.517
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Tanzania Trade Development
Authority Act and shall come into operation on such date as
the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, appoint. 2. This Act shall apply to Mainland Tanzania as well as to
Tanzania Zanzibar, except for matters related to internal trade. 3. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-
“Authority” means the Tanzania Trade Development
Authority established pursuant to section 4;
“Board” means the Board of Directors established under
section 6;
“Chairman” means the Chairman of the Board of Directors
appointed under this Act;
“Director General” means the Director General appointed
under section 8;
“financial year” has the meaning ascribed to it under the
Budget Act;
Short title and
commencement
Application
Interpretation
Act No. 12 of 2023 s. 63
Cap.

ncial year” has the meaning ascribed to it under the
Budget Act;
Short title and
commencement
Application
Interpretation
Act No. 12 of 2023 s. 63
Cap.

439
CHAPTER 155
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT
An Act to provide for the formulation, development, promotion, supervision
of external and internal trade and implementation of Trade Development
Policies and Strategies, to establish the Tanzania Trade Development
Authority and to provide better provisions for the functions and powers
of the Authority, and to repeal the Board of Internal Trade Act, and the
Board of External Trade Act, and for other related matters. [............................]
Acts Nos. 4 of 2009
3 of 2012
12 of 2023

Trade Act, and the
Board of External Trade Act, and for other related matters. [............................]
Acts Nos. 4 of 2009
3 of 2012
12 of 2023

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
518
“member” in relation to the Board of Directors, means
a member of the Board of Directors and includes the
Chairman and the Vice-Chairman;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for trade;
“local government authority” has the meaning ascribed to it
under the Local Government (District Authorities) Act
and the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act; and
“trade promotional events” means trade fair or exhibition,
buyer-sellers meetings and trade missions, expos, festivals,
trade fora and other related activities but does not include
events organised for non-commercial purposes. PART II
THE TANZANIA TRADE
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
4.–(1) There is established the Tanzania Trade Development
Authority also to be known by acronym “TanTrade”. (2) The Authority shall be a body corporate and shall have
perpetual succession and a common seal and may sue and be
sued in its corporate name.

ade”. (2) The Authority shall be a body corporate and shall have
perpetual succession and a common seal and may sue and be
sued in its corporate name.

(3) The Authority may, for the purpose of performance of its
functions, take, purchase, acquire, charge, hold and dispose of
movable and immovable property and enter into contracts or
other transactions which may lawfully be done or performed
by a body corporate. 5.–(1) The functions of the Authority shall be to-
(a) advise the Government on matters relating to
the formulation, development, supervision and
implementation of trade policies and strategies;
(b) integrate and regulate the domestic market development;
(c) collaborate with other institutions in organising
production of products and offering of services;
(d) foster better market access conditions for Tanzanian
products and services at domestic, regional and
international markets;
Cap. 287
Cap. 288
Establishment of
Authority
Functions of
Authority
Acts Nos. 3 of 2012 s. 30
12 of 2023 s. 64

ic, regional and
international markets;
Cap. 287
Cap. 288
Establishment of
Authority
Functions of
Authority
Acts Nos. 3 of 2012 s. 30
12 of 2023 s. 64

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.519
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E.

erved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.519
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E.

2023]
(e) identify and advise on ways of overcoming bottlenecks
in value chain pertaining to trade development;
(f) offer appropriate advisory services and training to the
business community on the management of domestic
and foreign trade operations;
(g) inculcate and promote the export culture into the large
section of small, medium and large enterprises through
national branding and other various means;
(h) establish and maintain trade database;
(i) encourage private sector to invest and develop expertise
in establishing and managing warehousing facilities;
(j) co-operate with the investment facilitating institutions
in ensuring that investments are directed towards value
addition;
(k) promote or facilitate establishment of facilities and
infrastructure for holding trade fairs countrywide;
(l) establish and maintain trade centres within and outside
the country;
(m) organise trade fair and exhibitions, buyer seller
meetings, contact promotion programmes, market
research, supply surveys, product development and
product adaptation within the country;
(n) promote the documentation and dissemination of
information on any aspect connected with trade
development carried out by the Authority or any
other person or institution and may for this purpose
publish newspapers, journals, periodicals, bulletins
and operate radio and television programmes or
perform any other activity designed to promote trade
into any matter which is necessary or desirable for the
efficient trade development and implementation of
trade related policies and strategies;
(o) advise and assist the Government and any other
institution in the selection and employment of local
and foreign trade related consultants and advisors on
matters related to trade development;

other
institution in the selection and employment of local
and foreign trade related consultants and advisors on
matters related to trade development;

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
520
(p) authorise any person, organisation or institution
wishing to undertake within and outside Tanzania
any local or international trade fairs and other trade
promotional events and to facilitate, assist and where
necessary provide consultancy and technical advisory
services to such person, organisation or institution;
(q) evaluate and monitor trade system and its performance;
and
(r) conduct market research, survey and monitoring.

erson, organisation or institution;
(q) evaluate and monitor trade system and its performance;
and
(r) conduct market research, survey and monitoring.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1)
and subject to any general or specific directions given by the
Minister, the Authority may-
(a) give advice to the Government, any person,
organisation or institution on measures necessary for
the development of an efficient system for the conduct
of trade, including -
(i) measures for the efficient co-ordination and
supervision of a licensing system for trade;
(ii) the formulation and implementation of national
policies in relation to domestic consumption and
export of products and services from Tanzania; and
(iii) the formulation and supervision of the
implementation of best marketing practices in
respect of products and services intended for trade;
(b) collaborate with any other person, organisation
or institution within or outside Tanzania in the
establishment, equipment and management of trade
centres for the collection and dissemination of data and
other information relating to the products and services
intended for trade development;
(c) undertake the planning, co-ordination, organisation
and management of international trade fairs,
exhibitions, expositions and missions;
(d) collect, process, store and disseminate information and
data relating to trade;

international trade fairs,
exhibitions, expositions and missions;
(d) collect, process, store and disseminate information and
data relating to trade;

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.521
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
(e) authorise any person, organisation or institution
wishing to undertake within and outside Tanzania any
international trade fair or exhibition and to facilitate,
assist and, when necessary, provide consultancy and
technical advisory services to such person, organisation
or institution;
(f) in collaboration with other organisations or institutions,
advise the Government on the simplification of
documentation and expedition of procedures in
relation to trade development; and
(g) assist businesses in Tanzania to develop and expand
profitably in the international trade transactions of
products and services. 6.–(1) There shall be the Board of Directors of the Authority. (2) The provisions of the Schedule to this Act shall have
effect as to the composition, appointment, termination of
members, proceedings and other matters relating to the Board
of Directors. 7.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the management
and control of the Authority shall vest in the Board.

relating to the Board
of Directors. 7.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the management
and control of the Authority shall vest in the Board.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1),
the Board shall have powers to-
(a) administer properties of the Authority, both movable
and immovable;
(b) administer the funds and other assets of the Authority;
(c) signify acts of the Authority by using common seal;
(d) on behalf of the Authority, receive gifts, fees, donations,
grants or other moneys;
(e) appoint officers of the Authority which the Board may
consider necessary; and
(f) perform all other acts and things which may be
provided for in this Act or as may, in the opinion of
the Board, be necessary or expedient for the proper
discharge of the functions of the Authority. Board of
Directors
Powers and duties
of Board

nion of
the Board, be necessary or expedient for the proper
discharge of the functions of the Authority. Board of
Directors
Powers and duties
of Board

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
522
8.–(1) There shall be appointed by the President a Director
General and Deputy Director General of the Authority. (2) The Director General shall be the Chief Executive Officer
of the Authority and the Secretary to the Board of Directors. (3) Appointment of the Director General and Deputy
Director General shall be made on the basis of the principle that
where the Director General hails from one part of the United
Republic, the Deputy Director General shall be a person who
hails from the other part of the United Republic. 9. The Board may appoint on such terms and conditions and
upon such salaries as it may find appropriate, such officers
and employees for the proper and efficient conduct of the
operations and activities of the Authority.

laries as it may find appropriate, such officers
and employees for the proper and efficient conduct of the
operations and activities of the Authority.

10.–(1) The Board may appoint committees and sub-
committees it considers necessary consisting of its members,
co-opted members or both-
(a) to perform any function of the Board assigned to the
Committee or sub-committee; and
(b) to advise the Board on a matter referred to the
Committee or sub-committee. (2) The provisions of the Schedule to this Act, other than
the provisions which relate to the composition of the Board,
shall apply, mutatis mutandis in relation to the committees and
sub-committees appointed under this section. (3) The Board may, at any time revoke a delegation and
delegation made under this section shall not preclude the
Board from exercising the functions or powers so delegated. (4) The Board shall not delegate-
(a) powers of delegation;
(b) powers to approve the annual estimates of income and
expenditure or any supplementary estimates of income
and expenditure and audited accounts; and
(c) appointment and termination of employees of or above
the level of a Director. Appointment
and functions of
Director General
Act No. 3 of 2012 s. 31
Other officers and
employees
Committees and
sub-committees

level of a Director. Appointment
and functions of
Director General
Act No. 3 of 2012 s. 31
Other officers and
employees
Committees and
sub-committees

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.523
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
(5) Notwithstanding subsection (2), the Board may, by
directions in writing, in relation to any Committee or sub-
committee, disapply all or any of the provisions of the Schedule
to this Act or modify the same in such manner as may be
specified in such direction. 11. The Board shall establish such number of directorates,
sections and units as may be necessary and proper for the
performance of the functions of the Authority. PART III
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
12. The sources of funds of the Authority shall include-
(a) money appropriated by Parliament;
(b) such sums as may, in any other manner, become payable
to funds or assets which may vest in or accrued to the
Authority from other sources;
(c) grants, donations or bequests;
(d) fee and levy or charge from services provided;
(e) loans; and
(f) any other lawful source of income. 13.

urces;
(c) grants, donations or bequests;
(d) fee and levy or charge from services provided;
(e) loans; and
(f) any other lawful source of income. 13.

The Board may, with the prior approval of the Minister
responsible for finance, borrow for the purpose of the Authority
by way of loan, overdraft or otherwise such sums of moneys as
may be required to meet current obligation or performance of
its functions under this Act or any other relevant law. 14.–(1) The Director General shall, not less than two months
before the end of each financial year, prepare and submit to the
Board estimates of income and expenditure of the Authority
for the ensuing financial year for its approval and may, at any
time before the end of each financial year, prepare and submit
to the Board a revised estimates of income and expenditure of
the current year for its approval. Directorates,
sections and units
Source of funds
Act No. 3 of 2012 s. 32
Loans
Estimates of
income and
expenditure

the current year for its approval. Directorates,
sections and units
Source of funds
Act No. 3 of 2012 s. 32
Loans
Estimates of
income and
expenditure

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
524
(2) Expenditure shall not be made out of the funds of the
Authority unless that expenditure is part of the expenditure
approved by the Board under the estimates for the financial year
in which that expenditure is to be made or in supplementary
estimates to that year’s estimates. 15.–(1) The Authority shall keep books of accounts and
maintain proper records in relation to them and in the form
approved by the Controller and Auditor-General. (2) Within six months of the close of each financial year,
the Board shall cause the accounts including the balance sheet
of the Authority to be audited by the Controller and Auditor-
General. (3) As soon as the accounts of the Authority have been
audited, and in any case, not later than six months after such
audit, the Board shall submit to the Minister a copy of the
audited accounts together with a copy of the report made by
the Controller and Auditor-General. 16.

e Board shall submit to the Minister a copy of the
audited accounts together with a copy of the report made by
the Controller and Auditor-General. 16.

The Board shall, within six months after the close of the
financial year, cause to be prepared and submitted to the Minister,
a report dealing generally with activities and operations of the
Authority during that year and accompanied by-
(a) a copy of the audited accounts of the Authority;
(b) a copy of the Controller and Auditor-General’s report,
if any; and
(c) such other information as the Minister may direct. 17. The Minister shall, as soon as may be practicable after
receiving them, lay before the National Assembly the audited
accounts of the Authority together with the Controller and
Auditor-General’s report, if any, on the accounts and the
annual report of the Authority. 18. The Controller and Auditor-General shall conduct an
audit on the performance of the Authority of its functions
which shall include performance relating to key performance
indicators as provided under the Public Audit Act. Accounts and
audit
Annual report
Annual accounts
and report to
be laid before
National
Assembly
Performance
audit
Cap. 418

under the Public Audit Act. Accounts and
audit
Annual report
Annual accounts
and report to
be laid before
National
Assembly
Performance
audit
Cap. 418

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.525
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
19. Subject to the laws governing the public service and
pensions, the Board-
(a) may upon approval by the Minister, grant other retirement
allowances or benefits to the employees of the Authority;
(b) shall contribute to a superannuation fund or a medical
insurance fund for the employees of the Authority; and
(c) shall require any employee of the Authority, to contribute
to the superannuation fund or medical insurance fund
and methods of payment of the contribution. 20. Subject to any directions of the Minister, the assets and
liabilities of the Board of External Trade and Board of Internal
Trade shall, by virtue of this Act and without further assurance,
vest in the Authority. PART IV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
21. The Minister may give to the Board directions in writing
of a general or specific character regarding the performance
of the Authority of any of the functions and the exercise of its
powers under this Act, and the Board shall give effect to every
direction given.

ance
of the Authority of any of the functions and the exercise of its
powers under this Act, and the Board shall give effect to every
direction given.

22.–(1) Save where the Minister directs otherwise, information
relating to trade furnished or made available to the Authority
under section 23 shall be treated as confidential. (2) Subsection (1) shall not apply to the disclosure of
information made for the purposes of any legal proceedings
instituted under this Act or for the purposes of a report relating
to those proceedings. (3) Subject to subsection (2), where, in the performance of
its functions, the Authority discloses to any person, institution
or organisation any information furnished to it under section
23(2), then reference to the Authority in that subsection shall
be deemed as if it were reference to the person, institution or
organisation to whom the Authority discloses that information. Superannuation
benefits
Assets and
liabilities
Acts Nos. 3 of 2012 s. 33
12 of 2023 s. 65
Minister may
give directions to
Board
Non-disclosure
of information
offered

benefits
Assets and
liabilities
Acts Nos. 3 of 2012 s. 33
12 of 2023 s. 65
Minister may
give directions to
Board
Non-disclosure
of information
offered

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
526
(4) A person who contravenes the provisions of this
section, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable
to an imprisonment for a term of twelve months or to a fine
of not less than ten million shillings and not exceeding twenty
million shillings. 23.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this section and any
other written law, the Authority may consult any person,
organisation or institution with regard to any matter deemed
necessary by the Authority in order to enable it to properly
perform its functions or the exercise of its powers.

ion with regard to any matter deemed
necessary by the Authority in order to enable it to properly
perform its functions or the exercise of its powers.

(2) Where the Authority has reason to believe that, a person,
institution or organisation is capable of supplying information,
producing a document or giving evidence that may assist in
the performance of any of its functions, it may, by writing
signed by the Chairman of the Board or the Director General,
serve on that person, institution or organisation requiring that
person to supply information, produce a document or give
evidence to the Authority. (3) The information, document or evidence furnished
or given to the Authority pursuant to the provisions of this
section shall be kept for purposes of record, and may be used
or otherwise dealt with or disposed of in such manner and for
such purposes as the Authority may, subject to any direction
by the Minister, approve or direct. (4) A person who without excuse fails to comply with any
request made pursuant to the provision of subsection (2),
commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine
of not less than ten million shillings and not exceeding twenty
million shillings. 24.–(1) A person, organisation or institution shall not organise
any trade promotional event without authorisation of the
Authority.

illion shillings. 24.–(1) A person, organisation or institution shall not organise
any trade promotional event without authorisation of the
Authority.

(2) The procedure for authorisation of trade promotional
events shall be as prescribed in the regulations. Powers of
Authority to
request for
information,
document or
giving evidence
Authorisation of
trade promotional
events
Act No. 12 of 2023 s. 66

ations. Powers of
Authority to
request for
information,
document or
giving evidence
Authorisation of
trade promotional
events
Act No. 12 of 2023 s. 66

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.527
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
(3) A person, organisation or institution-
(a) organising trade promotional event without
authorisation or permit from the Authority, commits
an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to a fine
of two thousand US Dollars for international trade
promotional event or two million shillings for local
trade promotional events;
(b) that breaches any terms and conditions of authorisation
or permit issued by the Authority, commits an
offence and upon conviction shall be liable to a fine
of one thousand US Dollars for international trade
promotional events or one million shillings for local
trade promotional events. [s. 23A]
25. A person who contravenes the provisions of this Act where
no specific penalty has been provided, commits an offence
and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of not less than one
million shillings. [s.

ere
no specific penalty has been provided, commits an offence
and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of not less than one
million shillings. [s.

24]
26.–(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating
to penalties, where a person admits in writing that he has
committed an offence under this Act, the Director General
or any officer authorised by him in writing may, subject to
the regulations made under this Act at any time prior to the
commencement of the proceedings by a court of competent
jurisdiction, compound such offence and order such person
to pay a sum of money not exceeding one half of the amount
of the fine to which such person would otherwise have been
liable to pay if he had been convicted of such offence. (2) Where a person fails to comply with the compounding
order issued under this section within the prescribed period,
the Director General or an officer authorised by him may, in
addition to the sum ordered, require the person to pay an
interest at the rate prescribed in the regulations. General penalties
Compounding of
offences
Act No. 12 of 2023 s. 67

d, require the person to pay an
interest at the rate prescribed in the regulations. General penalties
Compounding of
offences
Act No. 12 of 2023 s. 67

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
528
(3) Where a person fails to comply with subsection (2), the
Director General may enforce the compounding order and
interest accrued thereof in the same manner as a decree of a court. (4) The Director General shall submit quarterly report of
all compounded offences under this section to the Director of
Public Prosecutions. (5) Moneys charged under this section shall be paid into
the Consolidated Fund through the Government Electronic
Payment System. (6) Where an offence is compounded in accordance with
subsection (1) and proceedings are brought against the offender
for the same offence, it shall be a good defence for the offender
to prove to the satisfaction of the court that the offence with
which the offender is charged has been compounded under
subsection (1). (7) The sum to be charged for every compoundable offence,
forms and manner of compounding of offences shall be as
prescribed in the regulations made under this Act. [s.

charged for every compoundable offence,
forms and manner of compounding of offences shall be as
prescribed in the regulations made under this Act. [s.

24A]
27.–(1) Subject to joint consultation with the Minister
responsible for Trade in the Revolutionary Government of
Zanzibar the Minister may, after further consultation with
the Board, make regulations necessary to give effect to the
purposes and provisions of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the power conferred
by subsection (1), the Minister may make regulations-
(a) requiring any person, body or bodies of persons,
institution or organisation specified in the regulations,
engaged or connected with external trade operations to
furnish to the Authority, with information relating to
any aspect of external trade;
(b) prescribing the form, manner and period within which
any information required to be furnished or made
available to the Authority; and
(c) prescribing any other thing which under this Act is
required or permitted to be prescribed. Powers of
Minister to make
regulations

Authority; and
(c) prescribing any other thing which under this Act is
required or permitted to be prescribed. Powers of
Minister to make
regulations

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.529
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
(3) The Minister responsible for local government
authorities in consultation with the Minister may make by-laws
for implementation of this Act. (4) Regulations made under this section shall be published
in the Gazette. [s. 25]
28. An act or thing done or omitted to be done by a member
of the Board or by an officer or employee of the Authority shall
not, if done or omitted to be done bona fide in the execution
or purported execution of his duties as a member of the Board
or an officer or employee of the Authority, subject him to any
action liability or demand of any kind. [s. 26]
29. Members of the Board shall be paid from the funds of the
Authority such fees or allowances at such rates as the Minister
may, upon the recommendation of the Board, prescribe. [s. 27]
30. The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette,
amend, vary, alter or replace all or any of the provisions of the
Schedule to this Act. [s. 28]
31.

e Minister may, by order published in the Gazette,
amend, vary, alter or replace all or any of the provisions of the
Schedule to this Act. [s. 28]
31.

Where any order, direction or requirement made or given by
the Minister or the Board under this Act is not required to be
published in the Gazette, the order, direction or requirement shall
be brought to the notice of persons affected or likely to be affected
by it in any manner determined by the Minister or the Board. [s. 29]
32.–(1) [Repeals the Board of Internal Trade Act and the Board
of External Trade Act, No. 15 of 1973 and 5 of 1978.]
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1)-
(a) all subsidiary legislation and all exemptions made
or given under those Acts which are in force on the
appointed day shall be deemed to have been made or
Protection from
personal liability
Remuneration
of members of
Board
Minister may
vary Schedule
Notification of
orders, etc
Repeal and
savings

made or
Protection from
personal liability
Remuneration
of members of
Board
Minister may
vary Schedule
Notification of
orders, etc
Repeal and
savings

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
530
given under this Act, and shall remain in force until
revoked by subsidiary legislation made under this Act
or until it otherwise expires or ceases to have effect; and
(b) all officers appointed pursuant to the provisions of the
Board of Internal Trade Act and the Board of External
Trade Act to perform functions specified under the
former Boards’ Staff Regulations and Schemes of
Service made under those Acts, shall, unless their
appointment is revoked or any officer otherwise ceases
to hold office or are re-appointed, be deemed to be
authorised officers appointed under this Act. [s.

tment is revoked or any officer otherwise ceases
to hold office or are re-appointed, be deemed to be
authorised officers appointed under this Act. [s.

30]
SCHEDULE
(Made under section 6(2))
THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD
1.–(1) The Board shall consist of-
(a) a Chairman, who shall be appointed by the President;
(b) one member from the Ministry responsible for trade;
(c) one member from the Ministry responsible for trade in the
Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar;
(d) one member from the Ministry responsible for agriculture;
(e) one member from the Ministry responsible for finance;
(f) one member representing the Tanzania Chamber of
Commerce, Industries and Agriculture;
(g) one member from the Ministry responsible for local
government;
(h) one member from the Zanzibar National Chamber of
Commerce, Industries and Agriculture; and
(i) two other members with strong expertise and experience in
trade one of whom shall come from Tanzania Zanzibar. (2) The members appointed under paragraph (1), shall either be
experts, knowledgeable or practically engaged in business and trade. (3) All members other than the Chairman shall be appointed by the
Minister after consultation with the Minister responsible for Trade in
the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. 2.

Chairman shall be appointed by the
Minister after consultation with the Minister responsible for Trade in
the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. 2.

The Board shall elect one of their members to be the Vice-Chairman
of the Board, and any member elected as Vice-Chairman shall, subject
to his continuing to be a member, hold office for a term of one year from
the date of his election, and be eligible for re-election for one further
term. Composition
of Board of
Directors
Act No. 3 of 2012 s. 34
Vice-Chairman

he date of his election, and be eligible for re-election for one further
term. Composition
of Board of
Directors
Act No. 3 of 2012 s. 34
Vice-Chairman

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.531
THE TANZANIA TRADE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT [CAP. 155 R.E. 2023]
3.–(1) A member of the Board shall, unless his appointment is sooner
determined by the appointing authority or he otherwise ceases to hold
office for the period which the appointing authority may specify in his
appointment, or if no period is so specified for a period of three years
from the date of his appointment, be eligible for re-appointment for one
further term:
Provided that, in the case of a member by virtue of his holding some
other office, he shall cease to be a member upon his ceasing to hold that
office. (2) Any member of the Board may, at any time, resign by giving
notice in writing to the appointing authority and from the date specified
in the notice or where no date is so specified, from the date of the receipt
of the notice by the appointing authority, he shall cease to be a member. 4.–(1) The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board. (2) Where at any meeting of the Board, the Chairman is absent, the
Vice-Chairman shall preside. 5.

hairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board. (2) Where at any meeting of the Board, the Chairman is absent, the
Vice-Chairman shall preside. 5.

Where any member is, by reason of illness, infirmity or absence from
the United Republic, unable to attend any meeting of the Board, the
appointing authority may appoint a temporary member in his place and
that temporary member shall cease to hold office on the resumption of
office of the substantive member. 6.–(1) The Board shall ordinarily meet for the transaction of its business
at times and places determined by it, but shall, in any case, meet at least
once in every three months. (2) The Chairman or in his absence the Vice-Chairman may, at any
time, call a special meeting of the Board and shall call a special meeting
upon a written request by a majority of the members in office. (3) The Chairman or in his absence the Vice-Chairman, shall preside
at every meeting of the Board and, in the absence of both the Chairman
and the Vice-Chairman, the members present shall appoint one of their
number to preside over the meeting. (4) The Chairman or in his absence the Vice-Chairman may and
shall, upon the request of a majority of the members, invite to a meeting
any person who is not a member to participate in the deliberations of
the Board but such person shall not be entitled to vote. 7.

invite to a meeting
any person who is not a member to participate in the deliberations of
the Board but such person shall not be entitled to vote. 7.

Where any member absents himself from three consecutive meetings
of the Board without reasonable excuse, the Board shall advise the
appointing authority of the fact and the appointing authority may
terminate the appointment of such member and appoint another
member in his place. 8.–(1) The Secretary shall record and keep details of all business
conducted or transacted. (2) The minutes of each meeting of the Board shall be confirmed
and signed at the next meeting of the Board by both the Chairman and
the Secretary. Tenure of
appointment
Powers of
Chairman and
Vice-Chairman
Appointment
of temporary
member
Meetings
of Board of
Directors
Absence from
three consecutive
meetings
Minutes of
meetings

Chairman and
Vice-Chairman
Appointment
of temporary
member
Meetings
of Board of
Directors
Absence from
three consecutive
meetings
Minutes of
meetings

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.(3) Any minutes purporting to be signed by the Chairman and the
Secretary at a meeting of the Board shall in the absence of proof of
error, be deemed to be a correct record of the meeting whose minutes
purport to be. 9. The validity of any act or proceeding of the Board shall not be affected
by any vacancy among its members or by any defect in appointing any
of them. 10. The Quorum at any meeting of the Board shall be half of the
members in office. 11.–(1) Subject to subparagraph (2), questions proposed at a meeting
of the Board shall be decided by a majority of the votes of the members
present and in the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding
shall have a second or casting vote in addition to his deliberative vote. (2) A decision may be made by the Board without a meeting
by circulation of the relevant papers among the members and the
expression in writing of the views of the majority of the members, but
any member shall be entitled to require that the decision be deferred
and the subject matter be considered at a meeting of the Board.

the members, but
any member shall be entitled to require that the decision be deferred
and the subject matter be considered at a meeting of the Board.

12.–(1) The seal of the Board shall be of the shape, size and form which
the Board may determine. (2) The seal shall be authenticated by the signature of the Chairman,
the Secretary or any officer or employee of the Authority authorised to
act in that behalf by the Board. 13.–(1) All regulations, appointments, instruments, contracts and
other documents required to be sealed shall be deemed to be lawfully
executed by or on behalf of the Board if sealed with the common seal of
the Authority and signed by-
(a) the Chairman and the Director General; or
(b) the Director General and any other member or employee
of the Authority authorised in writing in that behalf by the
Board. (2) The common seal of the Authority shall not be affixed by any
person to any instrument or document under subparagraph (1) except,
in the case of the Chairman, in the presence of the Director General or
in the case of the Director General, in the presence of any other member
of the Board or of an officer or employee of the Authority authorised in
writing in that behalf by the Board. 14. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, the Board may regulate
its own proceedings.

thority authorised in
writing in that behalf by the Board. 14. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, the Board may regulate
its own proceedings.

Vacancies, etc.,
not to invalidate
proceedings
Quorum
Decisions of
Board
Seal of Board
Signification of
other documents
Board may
regulate its own
proceedings