Tanzanian Insolvency Agency to Liquidate Telco Over Unpaid Debt

The Tanzanian Registration, Insolvency, and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) has announced plans to liquidate a telecommunications company due to its failure to settle outstanding debts. This action underscores RITA’s commitment to ensuring all government taxes and dues are paid.

Elaborating on the agency’s responsibilities, Kanyusi highlighted that RITA’s mandate extends beyond registering births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and adoptions. “RITA also oversees the insolvency of corporate bodies and individuals,” he stated. Additionally, the agency manages the registration of boards of trustees, unclaimed property, drafting and safekeeping of wills, and the administration of estates.

In line with these duties, RITA received court authorization to proceed with the liquidation of the telecom firm. Kanyusi noted that RITA has issued public notices to inform stakeholders, urging those with interests in the company to come forward and state their claims before the liquidation process concludes.

Kanyusi assured that RITA is dedicated to fulfilling its responsibilities professionally, aligning with the key pillars of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of the 4Rs — Reconciliation, Reform, Resilience, and Rebuilding.

Dovetel Limited, which operated under the brand name Sasatel, entered the market in 2008 with high expectations of stirring competition among telecom operators. However, the company quickly faltered, unable to compete with established players like Vodacom, Tigo, and Airtel (formerly Zain). Sasatel ultimately ceased operations, leaving RITA to handle its liquidation.

This development highlights the critical role of regulatory agencies in maintaining financial and operational accountability within the corporate sector.