Tanzania legislates for resources firms to pay more or face the consequences

Aperennial issue in Tanzanian politics and business – the extent to which the East African state is exploited by international capital and should reap bigger yields from its natural resources – returned with a vengeance when, on 4 July, the National Assembly unanimously passed three laws covering natural resources investment. Tabled on 29 June, the ‘urgent status’ legislation will support President John Pombe Magufuli’s efforts to force energy and mining companies to give Tanzania a better deal – a cornerstone of his government’s populist appeal.