Breakthrough Attorneys

Breakthrough Attorneys recently had the privilege of participating in the Dutch Mission to Tanzania, organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Tanzania. The mission brought together Dutch companies engaged in the port and logistics sectors with a focus on exploring business opportunities in Tanzania. During this event, our Senior Partner, Mr. Kheri R. Mbiro, and Tax Partner, Mr. Joseph Waziri, delivered an insightful high-level presentation on the critical considerations for doing business in Tanzania. In their presentation they shared insights on navigating the legal and tax frameworks, with practical strategies for businesses seeking to establish or expand their presence in Tanzania. The presentation provided an in-depth overview of key areas, including: • Establishing a Business Presence in both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. • Union and Non-Union Matters for companies operating across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. • Regulatory landscape for port and logistics services in Tanzania identifying all regulators and players. • ⁠Procurement Procedures applicable in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. • Tanzania’s Taxation Landscape and specific considerations for each part of the Union. • Investment Recognition and Incentives available to foreign investors, zooming in on Dutch Investments, in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. Tanzania’s strategic position as a trade hub in East Africa was underscored, with the Dar es Salaam port serving as a vital gateway for regional trade, especially for landlocked countries. #DoingBusinessTanzania #RegulatoryCompliance #InvestInTanzania #Logistics #Ports #LegalServices #BTAExcellence

In this week’s #TaxDigestWednesday📊, we look at the introduced VAT Exemptions under the Finance Act 2024. These exemptions aim at enhancing consumer affordability, with key exemptions on blended tea, armed forces supplies, edible oil, aircraft parts, and VAR technology to be used in AFCON 2027⚽️. However, businesses may face challenges as they can't reclaim input VAT, which could increase their operational costs. A careful reevaluation is needed, potentially considering zero-rating to balance supplier costs and consumer benefits⚖️. Stay informed with #BreakthroughAdvisoryServices💼 as we navigate these changes effectively! #FinanceAct2024 #VATExemptions #TRA #TaxAdministration #TaxMatters #TaxLaws #BusinessinAfrica #Investments #TaxCompliance

In This week’s #TaxDigestWednesday📊, we dive into another notable change by the Finance Act 2024: the introduction of the Industrial Development Levy (IDL)! This levy imposes a rate of 5-10% on the value of select imports, thus encouraging a shift toward locally produced goods and supporting domestic industries. While import prices may rise, the IDL aims to strengthen our industrial sector and foster economic resilience💪🏽. With other accompanying measures, this action could drive growth and boost competitiveness for local producers 📈🏭. Stay informed with #BreakthroughAdvisoryServices💼 as we help navigate these changes effectively!📌 #FinanceAct2024 #TanzaniaTax #Customs #TaxAdministration #TaxCompliance #TRA #BusinessinAfrica #TaxMatters #InternationalTrade #Investments

On Thursday last week, our Firm had the privilege of delivering a presentation on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) legal framework in Tanzania to Korean businesses operating in the country. The presentation was conducted under the invitation of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Tanzania Our Firm was represented by our Head of Practice and Administration Ms. Lucy Sawaya Mandara, Mr. Tumwesige Evans Lushakuzi (Senior Associate), and Mr. Jordan Seimu (Associate), who gave an in-depth overview of the CSR landscape in Tanzania. During the presentation, we emphasized that while Tanzania does not have a specific, uniform CSR law, regulatory requirements exist in key sectors such as Mining, Petroleum and Carbon trading. During the presentation we also highlighted that CSR is evolving and that there are new emerging trends which are also gaining traction such as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). We discussed the significance of these sector-specific frameworks and the implications for businesses operating within these industries, highlighting the legal obligations and compliance requirements companies need to meet to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development. This engagement reflects our commitment to supporting businesses in navigating Tanzania’s evolving legal and regulatory environment. We extend our gratitude to the Embassy of Korea in Tanzania for the opportunity to participate in this important dialogue and look forward to continued collaboration with businesses and stakeholders in promoting responsible business practices. #CSR #ESG #KoreanEmbassy #Sustainability #BTAExcellence

In this week's #TaxDigestWednesday,📊 we're shining a spotlight on a notable update from the Finance Act 2024.⏳ A new Withholding Tax on rental payments for construction equipment or machinery at a 10% rate! 🚜 This pivotal change aims to enhance tax collection and expand the tax base. However, it also introduces new administrative responsibilities for contractors and/or subcontractors. 🚧 Additionally, the vagueness of key concepts raises concerns about potential confusion among taxpayers. To ensure smooth compliance, clarity is vital. Stay informed with #BreakthroughAdvisoryServices 💼 as we help navigate these changes effectively!📌#FinanceAct2024 #TanzaniaTax #TaxLaws #TaxAdministration #TRA #TaxCompliance #TaxPros #BusinessInAfrica #Taxation #TaxMatters #Investments

On 18th October 2024, Breakthrough Attorneys will facilitate a training session to all Magistrates in Tanzania with the theme “Creation of Awareness for Magistrates on Data Protection”. The training is organized by #TheInstituteofJudicialAdministrationLushoto and the #JudiciaryofTanzania. The team of facilitators from Breakthrough Attorneys will be led by Senior Partner Kheri R. Mbiro, Senior Associate Tumwesige Evans Lushakuzi and Associate Jordan Seimu. Breakthrough Attorneys is dedicated to advancing personal data protection and privacy practice in Tanzania. This includes our role in shaping the privacy ecosystem by being one of the founding members of the Tanzania Privacy Professionals’ Association (TPPA). #PersonalDataProtection #Privacy #Judiciary #Justice

Our team from the Zanzibar office, along with Senior Partner Kheri R. Mbiro, participated in the 3rd Joint Annual Conference on "Embracing Technology and Innovation for Catalyzing a Vibrant Startup Ecosystem in Zanzibar." The conference was held at the Madinat Al Bahr Hotel in Mbweni, Unguja, Zanzibar, and was organized by the Zanzibar Research Centre for Socio-Economic and Policy Analysis (ZRCP). The event took place over two consecutive days. The conference was graced on the first day, September 17, 2024, by Hon. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council. On the second day, September 18, 2024, it concluded with the presence of Hon. Hemed Suleiman Abdalla, Second Vice President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. Our Senior Partner participated in a panel discussion on "The Fintech Landscape in Zanzibar." whereby he delivered about the Government investment in the preparation of a good environment for the growth of startups, he explained more about the making of the good laws and regulations that support the technological advancement within the ecosystem. Breakthrough Attorneys is actively contributing to the growth of startups in Tanzania and Zanzibar, ensuring that startups thrive in an environment that supports their development. #BTAExcellence🔥 #TechStartups

On September 21, 2024, Tanzania Privacy Professionals’ Association (TPPA) organized its first-ever Meet & Greet event for both members and non-members. Held at ZO Spaces, the event provided an excellent platform for participants to engage, network, and discuss pertinent issues surrounding privacy and data protection. The gathering was graced by two distinguished guest speakers. The first was Hon. Prof. Judge Ubena John, a Judge of the High Court of Tanzania, followed by Mr. Primus-Innocent Mungy, Head of PR and Communications at the Tanzania Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), both of whom addressed the attendees and shared invaluable insights. Breakthrough Attorneys, being one of the founding members of the Tanzania Privacy Professionals’ Association (TPPA), proudly participated in the event. Our firm was represented by Senior Partner Kheri R. Mbiro and Senior Associate Tumwesige Evans Lushakuzi. #BTAExcellence #Privacy #DataProtection #PDPC #TPPA Vintan Mbiro Joseph Waziri Oliva Mkanzabi Reginald Martin Lucy Sawaya Mandara Fredy Edward Ereneus Shirima 🇹🇿 Irene Kalugula Emmanuel Siwa Golder Alphonce Gura Joseph Edward Silayo Grace Samuel Hellena Ignas Jordan Seimu Vicky Merisheki

Recently, our Senior Associate Tumwesige Evans Lushakuzi participated in training 10 EdTech startups in their 1 week Bootcamp that was organized by Sahara Consult #MastercardFoundationEdTechFellowship and #Investin. The training took place on Friday, 6th September 2024 in Arusha. In his training Tumwesige Evans Lushakuzi took the participants through various important aspects regarding the shareholders management for Ed-Tech companies. Some of the important areas highlighted on included: 1️⃣How do develop the shareholding structures for Edtech companies. 2️⃣How to develop and manage the cap table. 3️⃣Important documents used in registration of companies. 4️⃣What should be featured in Shareholders’ Agreements. 5️⃣How to remove inactive shareholders. Sahara Consult #MastercardFoundationEdtechFellowship #Investin Ndaki George Angel Saldadaa Kheri R. Mbiro Joseph Waziri Fredy Edward Vintan Mbiro Oliva Mkanzabi Joseph Edward Silayo Ereneus Shirima 🇹🇿  Reginald Martin Alphonce Gura Lucy Sawaya Mandara

Recently, our Senior Associate Emmanuel Siwa Golder appeared before the Parliamentary Committee for Industry Trade Agriculture, and Livestock in Dodoma on behalf the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF). During the session Emmanuel Siwa Golder presented inputs and recommendations on the proposed Fair Competition Commission (FCC) (Amendment) Act, 2024. In the process he successfully represented the interests of the Tanzanian private sector in general. The presentation to the Parliamentary Committee based on two main areas: 1.     The need for recognition of the SME’s and Starts-ups in the FCC Laws. 2.    The need for the FCC Laws to resolve the current complexity and compliance issues on merger notification processes. After the presentation, the response from the Parliamentary Committee members was affirmative to the point they admitted that it is a high time for the FCC Laws to incorporate and recognise the SMEs and Startups in Tanzania. #BTAExcellence #TPSF #FCC #ParliamentaryCommittee #Amendments #Startups #SMEs