Tanzania AG and NCC Partner to Boost Construction Sector

Government Legal Office, National Construction Council Forge Strategic Collaboration

April 3, 2025

In a move aimed at enhancing professional standards in the construction sector, the Office of the Attorney General and the National Construction Council (NCC) of Tanzania have entered into a formal agreement to foster technical cooperation.

Speaking during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, Attorney General Hamza Johari emphasized the significance of this partnership, noting its alignment with the national agenda of executing large-scale, strategic infrastructure projects.

“This collaboration is a step forward in refining our expertise and efficiency in construction-related contracts. As the government of the Sixth Phase continues to prioritize major development projects, it is imperative that legal professionals and construction experts work hand-in-hand to ensure these initiatives are implemented with precision and contractual integrity,” Johari said.

He added that the synergy between legal practitioners and construction professionals is critical for the successful drafting, execution, and oversight of infrastructure contracts. Through this agreement, both institutions will facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge and personnel, strengthening their collective capacity.

“This memorandum of understanding allows for knowledge sharing between our professionals, enabling deeper insights into construction-related legal frameworks,” he added.

Johari further highlighted the importance of professional training, particularly through institutional collaboration. “We discussed in our recent Arusha training sessions that capacity-building must be a top priority. Partnering with specialized institutions like the NCC allows for targeted knowledge transfer, where both sides gain from each other's areas of expertise,” he said.

Additionally, he noted that the partnership will encompass joint analysis of claims arising from construction contracts and support during contract negotiations.

“Construction contracts differ from service agreements. By working together, we can identify the essential elements required to make construction contracts more robust and practical, ensuring they are well-crafted from the negotiation stage to implementation,” Johari explained.

The agreement was officially signed by Deputy Attorney General Samwel Maneno and NCC Chief Executive Officer Matiko Mturi, in the presence of Attorney General Johari.

Johari also pointed out the need to enhance understanding of dispute resolution mechanisms within the construction sector. “Construction-related conflicts have their own nuances. It’s essential we fully grasp these to foster effective collaboration across legal and engineering fields,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, NCC CEO Matiko Mturi hailed the agreement as a significant opportunity to gain legal expertise from the Office of the Attorney General.

“The Attorney General’s Office oversees the legal soundness of all contracts in Tanzania, including those in the construction sector. With the increasing number of strategic infrastructure projects, this collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to ensure these projects are executed seamlessly,” Mturi noted.

He added that since the council’s establishment in 1981, it has accumulated deep experience in the construction field, including navigating recurring contractual challenges. “When the opportunity to partner with the Attorney General’s Office arose, we recognized it as a timely and strategic move,” Mturi said.