Londo orders Tanzanian trade officers to support business growth, encourage voluntary tax payment

DODOMA: THE Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Dennis Londo has directed trade officers across the country to eliminate bureaucracy in their workplaces and instead support businesses to comply with the law, including encouraging voluntary tax payment.

Londo issued the directive in Dodoma today, August 17, 2026, during the third meeting between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and trade officers from across the country.

He said not all businesses seek to evade regulations, noting that some have been hindered by bureaucratic procedures imposed by government officials, including trade officers.

Londo urged trade officers to adopt an approach focused on persuasion and education by explaining to businesses the benefits of formalising their operations, rather than treating them as entities seeking to violate the law.

He said creating a business-friendly environment was essential to increasing the number of formal businesses, promoting investment and strengthening government revenue collection through taxation.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA), Godfrey Nyaisa, said the meeting would provide trade officers with additional skills and practical approaches to help businesses establish new ventures, register their operations and increase tax revenue collection.

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He said the initiative was aimed at contributing to the national development target outlined in the National Development Vision 2050 of achieving a US$1 trillion economy.

Nyaisa said stronger cooperation between government institutions and trade officers was essential to reducing barriers faced by businesses and increasing the number of enterprises operating within the formal economy.

Meanwhile, the Manager of the Inspection and Monitoring Section at the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA), Jadi Kijumu, urged trade officers to protect consumers by ensuring that businesses comply with measurement standards set by the authority.

He said effective enforcement of measurement standards was critical to ensuring consumers receive the correct quantities of goods and that their rights are protected.

The meeting focused on improving the business environment, formalising economic activities, strengthening regulatory compliance and increasing government revenue collection while ensuring businesses receive more efficient public services.