The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, on June 16, 2025, officially inaugurated the new Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) building in Simiyu Region. She urged Tanzanians to embrace a culture of voluntarily paying taxes to help the country achieve economic independence. 

President Samia stated that economic independence comes through the taxes paid by citizens. She encouraged TRA to continue collecting taxes in a manner that is friendly to the public and to educate those who lack knowledge about tax matters. 

She emphasized that depending on aid is a form of slavery, and that the taxes collected by TRA have been instrumental in implementing social projects such as providing water, electricity, and healthcare services across the country. For larger projects, the country has relied on loans or aid for implementation.

 "We want TRA to collect more taxes, which is why we’ve strengthened your workforce and provided modern buildings. Go out and collect taxes in a friendly way, but those who are stubborn and defiant must also be made to pay taxes just like everyone else," President Samia said. 

Additionally, the President directed for the acceleration of construction of other TRA buildings that are still incomplete, so they can start providing services in a conducive environment. 

On his part, the TRA Commissioner General, Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda, said that the Simiyu building cost TSh 9.83 billion, and is one of several buildings being constructed across the country at a total cost of TSh 116 billion. Commissioner General Mwenda stated that the completed and ongoing buildings will improve the quality of services provided to taxpayers, boost morale among employees, and increase overall tax collection. 

"Your Excellency, we thank you for providing funds for all the completed and ongoing construction projects. This support has enabled us to continue collecting taxes and surpass our targets, as we have done for 11 consecutive months since the beginning of the 2024/2025 financial year. We also thank you for strengthening our workforce with 1,896 new employees," said Commissioner Mwenda. 

He added that in the 11-month period, TRA was expected to collect TSh 27.841 trillion, but managed to collect TSh 28.861 trillion, equivalent to 105% performance, and he is optimistic that the target will be surpassed in the remaining month of June.

 End.