MPs laud TRA over 30 years of rising revenue

DODOMA: MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) have commended the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) for its notable progress in revenue collection over the 30 years since its establishment.

The legislators also praised TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda for promoting a more business-friendly tax environment and strengthening professionalism in tax administration, which they said has contributed to improved compliance and increased government revenue.

The remarks were made at different times in Dodoma during debates on the government budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, as well as in interviews marking TRA’s 30th anniversary.

Mr Saashisha Mafuwe (Hai, CCM) commended TRA for implementing reforms that have helped create a stable and conducive business environment across the country.

He said the Authority’s initiatives have strengthened cooperation and trust between TRA and the business community, enabling entrepreneurs to operate with greater confidence and predictability.

According to Mr Mafuwe, TRA has demonstrated a strong commitment to partnership with taxpayers by listening to their concerns, improving service delivery and introducing systems that simplify tax compliance.

He noted that these efforts have enhanced public confidence in the Authority and contributed to economic growth.

He also urged businesspeople to continue fulfilling their tax obligations voluntarily and on time, stressing that tax revenue remains the backbone of national development and public service delivery.

Mr Joseph Musukuma (Geita Rural, CCM) praised Mwenda’s leadership, saying it has transformed TRA into a more approachable and business-friendly institution.

“This TRA Commissioner General is a very respectable person who deserves recognition. In the past, during budget discussions like these, businesspeople would come to Parliament to lobby for their interests. Today, we are discussing the budget without complaints about TRA. They are collecting adequate revenue without harming businesses and they deserve congratulations,” he said.

Sengerema MP Hamis Tabasamu (CCM) said TRA has benefited from the leadership of a reform-oriented Commissioner General whose efforts have significantly improved the Authority’s efficiency.

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“Taxes are now collected in a much more civilised and professional manner. In the past, businesspeople often associated tax enforcement with intimidation. Today, taxpayers are treated with respect. This is a major achievement that deserves recognition,” he said.

Mr Tabasamu also urged the Minister for Finance to consider the welfare of TRA employees, noting their critical role in supporting the country’s development agenda. Tunduru North MP Ado Shaibu (ACT-Wazalendo) said TRA’s reforms have encouraged voluntary tax compliance and improved relations with taxpayers.

“I am pleased to see taxes being collected in a friendly manner. If this continues, more businesspeople will appreciate the importance of paying taxes voluntarily, and government revenue will continue to grow,” he said.

Mr Erick Shigongo (Buchosa –CCM) said he has witnessed steady growth in TRA’s revenue performance, with the Authority consistently setting and breaking new records.

“TRA has broken revenue collection records for 11 consecutive years. I want Tanzanians to know that tremendous work is being done by the Authority. Under the leadership of the Commissioner General, TRA should continue collecting taxes because they are the foundation of the development we are witnessing,” he said.

Tarime Urban MP Esther Matiko (CCM) said TRA has consistently exceeded its annual revenue targets, attributing the success to improved taxpayer education and voluntary compliance.

“We have seen the Authority set ambitious targets and surpass them. This success is largely due to taxpayer education, which has encouraged citizens to pay taxes voluntarily, unlike in previous years,” she said. She added that improved relations between TRA and the business community have also contributed to stronger revenue performance.

“In the past, tax enforcement was often associated with forceful measures. Today, that has changed because the Authority has invested in public education and strengthened efforts to curb tax evasion,” she said.

Ms Sarah Msafiri (Mvomero –CCM) commended TRA for its long-standing contribution to national development through revenue collection over the past three decades.

She said major achievements in sectors such as energy, education, agriculture and health, including flagship projects like the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, have been made possible through tax revenues collected by TRA.

“When we pay taxes, we improve social services. I commend TRA for its extensive taxpayer education programmes. As public services improve, the quality of life for citizens also improves,” she said.

Msafiri further noted that TRA has consistently surpassed its revenue targets in recent years, including strong performance over the past 11 months. Newala Rural MP Dr Yahaya Nawanda (CCM) described TRA as a key institution for national development, noting that government projects depend heavily on revenue collected by the Authority.

“Thanks to the work being done by TRA, more roads, hospitals, schools and health centres can be built, while medical equipment can be procured through our tax revenues. Today, businesspeople operate in a more peaceful environment, with fewer conflicts between tax authorities and traders,” he said.