The Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda, March 12, 2025, presented the achievements of TRA over the four years of the 6th Government under the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, and stated that TRA has increased tax collection by 78% since the President took office.

Commissioner General Mwenda mentioned that for a continuous period of eight months, from July 2024 to February 2025, TRA has collected a total of 21.200 trillion Tanzanian Shillings, compared to the same period in 2020/2021 when it collected 11.9 trillion Shillings, representing an increase of 78% and a growth rate of 17%.

Mwenda stated that the collections made during the period of the 6th Government have broken all records since the establishment of TRA in 1996, and all of this is due to the directives given by the President.

He noted other achievements that have allowed for the growth of business and investment in the country, collaborating with other institutions such as Tanzania Investiment Centre (TIC) to attract investors. Regarding tax refunds for businesses, the authority paid 1.171 trillion Shillings during the eight months, whereas during the same period four years ago, 92 billion Shillings was paid.

On the systems side, he mentioned the enhanced TANCIS system that handles customs operations and the IDRAS system managing domestic taxes, which enables taxpayers to serve themselves and reduces the need for TRA staff to meet with taxpayers.

Commissioner General Mwenda emphasized the continued improvement in discipline among staff, mentioning that there have been 15 staff members dismissed for various disciplinary reasons, 6 have had salary reductions, 12 have been demoted, and 22 staff members have received written warnings.

Another achievement is the increase in the number of TRA staff from 4,749 four years ago to 6,989 this year, with plans to recruit an additional 1,596 staff members, which will increase the total to 8,585, representing an 80% increase.

Mwenda explained that taxpayer education is one of the factors contributing to the increase in tax revenue, along with gratitude towards taxpayers, as he has visited all regions to thank taxpayers and listen to their challenges while providing solutions.

He concluded by stating that TRA remains committed to implementing the directives provided by the President to create a conducive environment for taxpayers and further increase tax revenue.

End.