DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General, Yusuph Mwenda, has urged higher learning institutions, including the Institute of Finance Management (IFM), to play a key role in ensuring that Tanzanians are not left behind in adapting to advancing technology.
In a keynote speech delivered during the 2024 IFM Convocation in Dar es Salaam, he said that the financial sector has been greatly impacted by technological advancements.
He stressed the need for community empowerment to keep pace with these changes.
“Adapting to technological advancements requires intentional preparedness to ensure that no one is left behind, and higher learning institutions have a critical role to play,” the Commissioner said in a speech read on his behalf by the Institute of Tax Administration’s Rector, Professor Isaya Jairo.
Mwenda shared that, as the TRA Commissioner, he has witnessed significant changes in taxation tools and regulations that guide revenue collection. He expressed hope that IFM, as a key stakeholder, is embracing these changes by developing innovative ways to prepare its graduates.
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“Today, businesspeople conduct trade online and technologies now enable the interoperability of various systems, all of which contribute to determining actual taxable income,” he said.
He commended IFM for preparing graduates, some of whom have been employed by the TRA, and urged the institute to continue producing a skilled workforce to strengthen the financial sector.
“Embracing change allows us to see opportunities where others see obstacles. It is the willingness to adapt, challenge the status quo, and continuously learn that will set you apart. As you look to the future, I urge you to consider your role in shaping it. The world needs innovative thinkers, compassionate leaders, and advocates for positive change,” the Commissioner told students, academicians, and stakeholders in attendance.
During the event, Prof Jairo launched a book co-authored by Dr Justina Utouh and Dr Sara Msuya, titled Pata Fursa ya Kujiajiri kwa Kufahamu Mbinu na Mchakato wa Kujiajiri.
The event also recognised outstanding students who excelled in internal examinations and external competitions, with scholarships awarded to deserving candidates.
On his part, IFM Rector Prof Josephat Lotto stated that the institute supports the government’s efforts to address challenges hindering the full utilisation of technology by Tanzanians.
“We have reviewed our programmes and introduced new ones to support this cause. Programmes like the Bachelor of Accountancy in Information Technology (BAIT) and the Master of Banking with Systems are part of our efforts to ensure that Tanzanians are prepared to adapt to technological changes in the financial sector,” he noted.
Prof Lotto also said that IFM has introduced programmes focused on cybersecurity and data analytics at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. These initiatives aim to ensure that Tanzanians, who work tirelessly to advance their personal and national economy, are capable to do so with confidence, knowing their efforts and investments will not be in vain.
