PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH COMPETITION REFORMS

EXPLORING THE CASE OF TANZANIA

Abstract

This article discusses the challenges facing the competition regime in Tanzania with

particular focus on policy, institutional, and implementation of the Fair Competition Act. It argues that, successes or failures of competition reform, or any regulatory reform, depend on the political will of the government of the day. Taking Tanzania as the case study, this article analyses the government’s role in the competition reform process in the country and the role competition policy has been playing in promoting healthy markets, consumer welfare, employment and innovation in Tanzania.

Additionally, the article examines areas that still call for further reform. It also lays an emphasis on the role which government should continue to play, in terms of providing strong and consistent support to the institutions vested with the mandate to provide competition regulation oversights. The article is in support of the view that while sustainable economic growth is a function of regulatory reforms, such reforms must essentially aim at eliminating or minimizing costs of doing business in order to stimulate investments, industrialization, and ultimately providing new employment opportunities that add to stability and total sociopolitical and economic welfare.