DAR ES SALAAM: THE trade volume between India and Tanzania is expected to soar to 8 billion US dollars (about 21.3tri/-) in the 2024/2025 financial year from 7.9 billion US dollars (21tri/-) in 2023/24.
This growth positions Tanzania as India’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, according to Indian Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr Sanjay Seth.
Speaking yesterday during a highlevel meeting with Vice- President Dr Philip Mpango at the State House in Dar es Salaam, Mr Seth praised the deepening relationship between the two nations, saying Tanzania is a reliable strategic partner across various sectors including trade, investment, water, health and education.
“Tanzania has strengthened its cooperation with India and continues to be a trusted partner in mul- tiple economic and social sectors,” said Mr Seth.
He also expressed apprecia- tion to the government of Tanzania for its support in hosting naval training programmes and defence equipment exhibitions, jointly organised by India and its African partners.
These initiatives are part of the growing military collaboration between the two countries.
In his remarks, Vice-President Dr Mpango reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, saying that the strong relations serve the mutual interests of both nations.
“The visit by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan to India in October 2023 has significantly bolstered our longstanding friendship and partnership,” said Dr Mpango.
He further highlighted ongoing defence cooperation, including reciprocal visits by high-ranking defence officials, joint training programmes and military exchanges.
“We are especially grateful for the joint naval exercises involving India, Tanzania and other African nations, as well as the shared efforts in security and defence exhibitions,” he added.
Dr Mpango also pointed to collaborative efforts in combating terrorism, piracy, rescue operations and joint patrols.
Beyond defence, he acknowledged India’s vital role in supporting Tanzania’s development across healthcare, education, water supply, transportation and other public services.
Meanwhile, Dr Mpango is expected to open a national tax conference today in Dar es Salaam.
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The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance (Economic Management), Mr Elijah Mwandumbya, told journalists that the conference is expected to bring together about 900 participants from the public and private sectors.
According to Mr Mwandumbya, this year’s conference theme is “Developing Domestic Resources by Enhancing Citizen Opportunities.”
He noted that the Ministry of Finance, through the Tax Policy Reform Advisory Committee, is responsible for coordinating stakeholders’ input, processing feedback and submitting policy recommendations to the Tax Advisory Committee for consideration in the preparation of the government budget.
He explained that this role is implemented in accordance with Section 10(1) and Section 10(2) of the 2015 Budget Regulations, under which the Ministry of Finance issues public notices inviting stakeholder submissions as a way to increase public participation.
Mr Mwandumbya added that starting in 2023, the government had initiated the National Tax Dialogue Day, marking the culmination of citizen participation in tax system improvement proposals.
He said stakeholder participation significantly increased during the preparation of the 2024/25 government budget, with feedback contributing to reforms across various sectors.
The key goals include improving the business and investment environment, stimulating growth in tourism, agriculture, mining, industry, fisheries and livestock sectors, as well as protecting local industries.
Additionally, the reforms aim to attract capital and investment, enhance domestic industry competitiveness, encourage voluntary tax compliance and improve the management and collection of taxes, fees and charges.
Speaking about investments, 293 projects worth 11.7tri/- were registered in 2022.
The number rose to 526 projects in 2023 with a total capital of 14.6tri/-, creating 53,871 jobs.
In 2024, registered investment projects significantly increased to 901, with a combined value of 24.67tri/-, generating 212,293 jobs.
On domestic revenue, collections for the financial year 2022/23 stood at 26.28tri/-, rising to 29.83tri/- in 2023/24 an approximate growth of 13.5 per cent.
Between July 2024 and February 2025 alone, domestic revenue reached 22.58tri/-.
Mr Mwandumbya encouraged all citizens to take advantage of the government’s open platform to comment and submit proposals for improving tax policies.
