Annual General Meetings in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic: Law and Practice in Tanzania

Abstract

COVID-19 is a pandemic that is currently ravaging the
world, with unprecedented disruptions being witnessed.
Many governments have imposed restrictions on
movement and several measures to contain its spread,
including social and physical distancing. This has made it
hard to hold conventional physical meetings. Companies are
still expected to comply with the provisions of the law and
company’s constitution, regarding holding company’s
annual general meetings to transact business therein. This
paper reviews the provisions of the Tanzania law regarding
holding of such meetings and hence the practicable options
amidst the pandemic. It finds that available options include
postponing the accounting period and hence the date of
AGM, resolutions by circulation, applying to the Registrar
to alter mode of conducting AGM. This study establishes
that the viable option is to hold virtual meetings and
recommends that companies review articles to
accommodate this. Tips on holding successful virtual
meetings are given.