Unfair advertising practice by Tanzanian government

The decision was been made despite the continued consultation by the outdoor industry with Tanroads, led by INM Outdoor, to regulate the industry to ensure compliance and control of clutter.

Aggrieved companies INM Outdoor, EF Outdoor, Brand Active, Global Outdoor, Syscorp Media, Alliance Media, Platinum Media and Ashton Media have requested the assistance of the Tanzania Investment Centre, Ugandan High Commission, British High Commission, South African High Commission and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) in an effort to have the decision overturned. To date all efforts have been unsuccessful in bringing about a reversal of this decision.

The companies are in the process of seeking judicial intervention but 90 days notice needs to be given if one intends to sue government; they have been given 60 days to remove their structures. As a consequence the protection that would normally be in place through the judicial system and the courts will arrive too late.

Local and foreign outdoor advertising companies that have invested in Tanzania believe that the decision is in contravention to the TIC guarantees they were assured of when investing in Tanzania. The frustrated companies believe that this action will create a situation which is contrary to the Fair Trade Commission laws and that the removal of fair competition will have an adverse effect on media rental rates, the brunt of which will be felt by clients.