Championing Private Sector Voices in Policy Making and Implementation

At Tanzania Private Sector Federation (TPSF), the Policy Advocacy and Research Department plays a pivotal role in shaping a business-friendly policy landscape. We serve as the voice of the private sector, bridging the gap between business communities and government institutions to drive meaningful and inclusive economic reforms.

What We Do

We lead high-impact policy advocacy and research initiatives aimed at influencing the formulation, review, and implementation of national and regional policies. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based analysis, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative dialogue.

Our core mandate includes:

• Policy Analysis & Research: Generating actionable insights to inform policy positions and strategic decisions.
• Advocacy Campaigns: Advancing reforms that unlock investment, reduce barriers, and foster private sector growth.
• Public-Private Engagement: Facilitating dialogue between the private sector and policymakers to ensure business voices shape policy outcomes.
• Capacity Building: Empowering private sector actors with knowledge and tools to engage effectively in policy processes.

We believe that sustainable policy change can only be achieved through partnerships, especially through structured Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) mechanisms.

Key Dialogue Platforms:

TPSF facilitates and participates in a wide range of policy dialogue platforms at national, sub-national, regional, and continental levels, including:

1. High-Level National Platforms

• • Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC): Chaired by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.
  • Ministerial Dialogues: Led by respective Ministers to address sector-specific policy matters.

2. Sub-National Platforms

• • Regional Business Councils (RBCs): Chaired by Regional Commissioners.
  • District Business Councils (DBCs): Chaired by District Commissioners.

3. Legislative & Oversight Engagement

• • Parliamentary Dialogues: Including Standing and Select Committees.
  • Public Hearings: On bills, budgetary matters, and economic affairs.
  • Sector-Specific Platforms: Covering trade, industry, constitutional, and legal affairs.

4. Regional & Continental Dialogue

• • EAC, SADC, Tripartite, and AfCFTA Platforms: Advocating for Tanzania’s private sector in broader integration and trade discussions.

5. National Committees

• • Trade Facilitation Committee
  • Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) Committee
  • EAC Common Market Protocol Implementation Committee

6. Sector-Specific Dialogues

• • Tailored platforms to address challenges and opportunities within specific industries.

7. Regional Representation

• • As the National Focal Point for the East African Business Council (EABC), TPSF represents Tanzania’s private sector in engagements with the EAC Secretariat, technical expert meetings, Permanent Secretaries’ forums, and the EAC Council of Ministers.

8. Strategic Taskforces

• • Tax Reform Taskforce: Conducted annually to influence fiscal policies and ultimately the Financial Act.
  • Customs and Tariff Review Taskforces: Addressing issues related to the Common External Tariff (CET) and trade facilitation.