23/04/2026
We are pleased very pleased to announce that chapter on Tanzania's Arbitration Law by our Founder and CEO has been published by the The Global Legal Post. You can read the full chapter at https://lnkd.in/d4pcfks5.
Some of the key takeaways to expect include:
The governing legal framework of the international arbitration in Tanzania is mainly comprised of the Arbitration Act of 2020 (Arbitration Act)and its 2021 Regulations, which emphasize on party autonomy, confidentiality, and the enforcement of both domestic and international awards through established institutional procedures.
Some Key Takeaways in Tanzanian Arbitration Laws include:
-The Arbitration Act establishes the Tanzania Arbitration Centre (TAC) as a key body corporate responsible for managing arbitrations, accrediting arbitrators, and maintaining a list of approved practitioners.
-The 2021 Regulations prescribe that only arbitrators accredited or provisionally registered with the TAC can be chosen by the parties, unless specific exemptions are granted.
-While most commercial disputes are arbitrable, disputes involving land matters must be heard by courts and specific statutory tribunals.
-An arbitration agreement must be in writing to be valid and enforceable, as per the Arbitration Act 2020.
-The role of the court is limited to supporting arbitration, such as enforcing awards, appointing arbitrators (if parties fail to do so), and staying court litigation in favor of arbitration.
-Arbitration proceedings are confidential. The new regulations impose a timeline for completion (typically within 180 days from the composition of the tribunal, unless extended).
-Under the Arbitration Act, an award can be enforced as a decree of the court upon application. Tanzania is a signatory to the New York Convention, facilitating the enforcement of foreign awards.
-Under the Tanzania’s Arbitration law, awards can be challenged based on "serious irregularity" (such as fraud, corruption, or improper tribunal constitution) or lack of substantive jurisdiction.
-Arbitrators and arbitral institutions are immune from civil liability for actions taken in good faith during the arbitration process.
-Foreign experts or advocates appearing in Tanzanian arbitration cases must be accompanied by a local advocate practicing in Tanzania.
