Investors Service Providers (ISP) in Tanzania.
INTRODUCTION.
The registration of Investor Service Providers (ISP) is a formal process established to ensure that individuals and firms offering professional services to investors operate within a regulated framework.
In Tanzania, this procedure is overseen by the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA). The aim is to create a reliable pool of service providers such as consultants, legal advisors, accountants, and other professionals who can support both local and foreign investors in navigating the investment environment.
By registering as an ISP, service providers gain official recognition, credibility, and access to opportunities within the investment ecosystem. The process involves applying form, providing firm or personal particulars, and meeting compliance requirements set out in the ISP Guidelines. Ultimately, the registration procedure promotes transparency, professionalism, and accountability, while ensuring that investors receive quality support services in line with national investment policies.
PROCEDURE FOR REGISTERING AS AN INVESTOR SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP).
Any firm or person who intends to be registered by TISEZA shall apply for a certificate of registration to the Authority. An application for an ISP shall be in prescribed form TISEZA-2 as per Annexure.
Including the following Documentations: –
i. Covering letter from an individual or firm intending to be registered as ISPs.
ii. A copy of the Certificate of registration by BRELA.
iii. A Copy of Valid Business License.
iv. A Copy of Tax Clearance Certificate.
v. A Copy of Certificate for Tax Identification Number (TIN);
vi. Evidence of business premises including physical addresses (subject to physical verification);
vii. Two recent passport size photographs of directors.
viii. List of professional employees with a copy of their detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), copies of educational and professional certificates, registration from the Profession al Boards (if applicable) and National IDs; and
ix. Three (3) referees consisting of most recent consulting businesses. It is strictly prohibited for TISEZA employees to be engaged in the above services to avoid conflict of interests.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND COMPETENCIES CRITERIA FOR ISPS.
i. Individuals or firms or foreign residents must be registered and licensed to carry on the relevant service(s) applied for.
ii. Proven experience in the area(s) of specialization.
iii. At least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the area of specialization by firm members. A master’s degree in the relevant area will be an added advantage.
iv. Good knowledge of investment promotion, facilitation and research strategies and tools benchmarked by international standards.
v. Experience in directing, coordinating and/or providing leadership on investment- related policy issues; and
vi. Not been convicted of a professional or disciplinary offence.
ISPS APPLICATIONS EVALUATION.
i. Received ISP applications shall be evaluated by the ISPs Committee which will submit its recommendations to the Director General for decision.
ii. ISP’s application evaluation process will strictly observe criteria and documentations set in this Policy in line with the ISP’s application evaluation form detailed in Annexure.
iii. ISPs Committee shall undertake Site Verification Visit to assess ISP premise and facilities status before providing recommendations to the Director General.
QUALIFICATIONS.
To qualify for TISEZA ISP registration, applicants are required to attain at least eighty per cent (80%) of the total evaluation scores.
REGISTRATION FEE
ISPs Registration Fee. Successful ISP applicants shall be required to pay an initial non-refundable application fee and upon passing evaluation processes, ISP shall pay a required registration fee and an annual renewal registration fee. Registration fee is aiming to facilitate provision of various services to service providers including regular initial training, materials to be provided, coaching sessions, familiarization with TISEZA processes and systems and promotional materials.
CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION FOR ISPS.
i. Upon successful registration and meeting conditions precedent including payment of applicable registration and training fees, ISPs shall be issued with TISEZA ISP Certificate of Registration.
ii. The ISP certificate of registration shall, unless renewed under this Policy, be valid for one year. The Certificate may be renewed upon satisfaction of quality of services delivered during the period.
REGISTRATION PROCESS DESCRIPTION.
The process to register and certify ISPs shall take place throughout the financial year.
i. ISP’s application invitation notices as prescribed in the Annexure 5 to new and renewal of ISP’s registration, which shall be made through local media channels and TISEZA website.
ii. Fill in the ISP’s application form with relevant attachments.
iii. Apply to the Director General, Application evaluation exercise by the ISPs Committee.
iv. Successful applicants to be informed in writing through ISP Offer Letter (as prescribed in the Annexure 6) and pay a prescribed registration fee.
v. Ors or companies with in-house human Issuance of registration certificates to successful ISPs.
vi. The Authority publishes the list of approved qualified ISPs through various media channels, promotional mate rials and website; and
vii. Registered ISPs to undergo training organized by the Authority on investment facilitation matters.
CONCLUSION
The registration of Investor Service Providers is a vital step in strengthening Tanzania’s investment ecosystem. By formalizing the process under the oversight of TIC and TISEZA, the framework ensures that only credible and qualified professionals support investors.
This not only enhances transparency and accountability but also builds confidence among local and foreign investors. Ultimately, ISP registration contributes to a more reliable, professional, and investor friendly environment, aligning with national goals of attracting investment and fostering sustainable economic growth.