ITA engages tax stakeholders to design a master’s degree in customs

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Institute of Tax Administration (ITA) has convened key players from the customs, tax and education sectors to fast-track the design of a master’s degree in customs, in a bold move to tackle a growing shortage of highly skilled professionals in Tanzania and beyond.

Speaking during the high-level consultative forum in the city, ITA Rector, Mr Isaya, said the initiative is a direct response to long-standing concerns that graduates are not adequately prepared for the demands of the labour market.

“We have heard the outcry for years — graduates are not meeting industry needs. That is why we are bringing stakeholders to the table first, to define what competencies are required before we even draft the curriculum,” he said.

He explained that the process will involve extensive consultations, where stakeholders will help shape the programme content, followed by a validation phase to ensure the proposed curriculum aligns with both national and international standards.

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“This is the first forum of its kind — a platform to gather input before developing the actual curriculum. Once we prepare a draft, we will bring stakeholders back again for verification,” he added.

Mr Isaya noted that the proposed master’s programme will be the first of its kind in Tanzania and is expected to significantly strengthen the country’s capacity in customs management, trade facilitation and revenue collection.

Stakeholders attending the forum welcomed the move, describing it as timely and strategic.

Mr Kisamo Bakari from the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) and Mr Mwihimari Said from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) said the programme will enhance efficiency and productivity within the customs sector.

They stressed that developing specialised expertise will not only improve service delivery but also boost Tanzania’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.

The initiative comes at a time when the country is seeking to modernise its customs systems and position itself as a key trade hub in East Africa.