Govt collects 1.5bn/- via COMESA Yellow Card Insurance Fees
DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has collected over 1.5bn/- in insurance fees through COMESA Yellow Card during the final quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year.
The revenue comes from the mandatory motor insurance known as the COMESA Yellow Card, required for foreign vehicles entering the country to transport cargo.
This measure aims to reduce road accidents caused by these vehicles, which often lead to damage to people and property.
National Insurance Corporation (NIC) Managing Director Kaimu Abdi Mkeyenge made the remarks during the launch of a new verification system that lets road users check the validity of COMESA Yellow Card insurance via mobile phones, including feature phones, without internet access.
“This innovation simplifies insurance verification, making it easier for drivers and stakeholders to comply with the law and access compensation after accidents,” Mkeyenge said.
This initiative targets vehicles from COMESA member states and aims to streamline compensation processes in the event of accidents.
He called on transporters and drivers to embrace this mandatory insurance for enhanced safety while moving goods across Tanzania’s borders.
COMESA Yellow Card insurance is a regional motor vehicle insurance policy that allows vehicles registered in one member country to travel across other COMESA member states without needing to buy separate insurance in each country.
The Head of Banking and Insurance Services in the Department of Financial Sector and Investment from Ministry of Finance, Mr Magesa Mafuru highlighted that the digital solution will boost national revenue by improving insurance compliance among cross-border transporters.
“Drivers can now travel with more confidence, knowing they are covered and can easily verify if their vehicles are insured. This also helps detect unregistered vehicles and ensures swift assistance in case of incidents,” said Mafuru.
Speaking on behalf of COMESA, system expert Mr Ablafizi Kibiki emphasised that the new system is userfriendly and accessible even in remote areas.
“Unlike the old system requiring smartphones and internet, this technology lets drivers check insurance validity without smart devices, eliminating confusion at COMESA checkpoints,” he explained.
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Manager of Insurance Assessment and Statistics at the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA), Mr Alex Rocky said from 2022 to 2024, over 1.8bn/- was paid in compensation to Tanzanians affected by foreign-registered vehicles, demonstrating the programme’s significant value and protection.
The COMESA Yellow Card programme remains vital for promoting cross-border transport safety, protecting local communities and holding foreign motorists accountable for damages caused in Tanzania.
