FCC approves major mining projects, industrial mergers
DODOMA: TANZANIA’S investment climate has been boosted as the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) approves major mining deals alongside over 100bn/- in industrial mergers, while simultaneously strengthening consumer protection enforcement in the past year.
Speaking to journalists yesterday in Dodoma, Acting Director General of the FCC, Ms Khadija Ngasongwa, said the approvals reflect growing investor confidence while reinforcing safeguards for consumers.
At the heart of the approvals are mining transactions exceeding 2.6 billion US dollars, including Shudao Investment Group Co. Ltd’s acquisition of shares in Tanzania China International Mineral Resources Limited (TCIMRL), which is implementing the Mchuchuma coal and Liganga iron ore and steel projects valued at over 2.3 billion US dollars.
The commission also cleared share acquisitions involving Mamba Minerals Corporation Limited and Shenghe Resources Co. Limited under the Ngualla rare earth project, expected to attract about 320 million US dollars in capital investment and generate 600 direct jobs during construction, with 220 permanent positions once operational.
“FCC remains vigilant to ensure large corporations comply with competition laws when acquiring local mining firms,” she said.
While facilitating major investments, the FCC has also intensified enforcement of the Merchandise Marks Act of 1963 to curb counterfeit and misleading products.
“Counterfeit goods distort fair competition, harm legitimate businesses and deceive consumers. Enforcement ensures enterprises compete on quality, innovation, and compliance with the law,” Ms Ngasongwa said.
Beyond mining, she noted, the commission approved seven manufacturing mergers worth over 103.9bn/-, two agricultural transactions valued at 20.4bn/-, four energy sector deals, including GasGenX Power Limited’s acquisition of a 54.1 per cent stake in Songas Limited and key approvals in tourism, health, and financial services.
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In tourism, the commission cleared four mergers aimed at strengthening financial capacity, service quality, and competitiveness.
These include Nawiri Group Limited’s acquisition of Asilia Lodges and Camps Limited Southern Tanzania Limited, which operates safari camps in national parks such as Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro, as well as MechEng B.V’s acquisition of R&M Tanzania Specialist Limited.
Ms Ngasongwa said the approvals support national tourism promotion efforts under the Royal Tour campaign.
Three mergers in the health sector were also endorsed, including Tasakhtaa Hospital Limited’s acquisition of shares in Regency Medical Centre Limited, expected to enhance service delivery, pharmaceutical access, and medical investment.
In the financial sector, four mergers were approved, including Toppan Global Security Limited’s investment in DZ Card (Africa) Limited to improve digital payment security, and a transaction involving Soren Investment Company Limited and Habib African Bank Limited to strengthen banking capital and expand credit access.
She noted that amendments to the Competition Act, passed in September 2024, empower the FCC to resolve consumer complaints internally, reducing reliance on ordinary courts.
