Tanzania reduces rents, taxes for new Kariakoo Market by 17percent

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government has reduced rents for shops and stalls in the new Kariakoo Market by 10 to 17 per cent and also provided a one-month tax exemption to help traders start their businesses smoothly.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam today, the General Manager of the Market,  Ashraph Abdulkarim, said the tax reduction was an order issued by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, when they launched the market on February 8, 2026.

He said in the process, stall traders have had their taxes reduced by about 17 percent and other areas of the market have had their taxes reduced by between 10 and 16 percent, depending on the size of the area and type of business.

“Market management has met with traders to monitor the implementation of the President’s instructions. In general, most of the instructions have already been implemented, except for the issue of reviewing tax rates, where after discussions with traders, the government has agreed to reduce rents for shops and stalls inside the market,” he explained.

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He added, “For example, a trader who used to pay 120,000/- will now pay about 100,000/- after the discount. Someone who paid 100,000/- can pay about  80,000/- after the discount for one month.

CPA Ashraph said that apart from the discount, the president also gave a one-month tax exemption to all traders in the market because traders were moving from old areas and needed time to start their businesses properly.

He noted that other instructions given during the launch are also being implemented, including establishing a childcare center within the market, improving revenue collection systems using government systems and continuing to improve the business environment within the market.

He also explained that shops or areas whose owners have not started business for a long time can be removed and given to other traders.

” This is because there are many requests from people who need space within the market. However, many traders are already continuing to make preparations for their shops and are expected to start business within a short time.

For his part, the Chairman of the Kariakoo Market, Ramadhani Labani, said they have had various meetings between representatives of traders and the market management to discuss and find appropriate rates and they are grateful that now the levy rates have been reduced.

“The President stressed that the levies should not be too high but also not too low, but should be friendly to traders. Indeed, these instructions have been observed. The management has done a great job of receiving the instructions and implementing them in practice.

He said that many traders have agreed to the new rates set and are now moving towards the stage of implementing payments in accordance with the new rates.

And Vegetable Trader Rehema Abdullah said that they have received very well the steps taken regarding tax rates and it is a good thing because even though many traders here are doing small businesses in cages, it is still important to look at the needs of the market.

“We are very grateful to our leaders and the market management for the efforts they are making. Our manager is working very hard; Every day, he goes around inspecting various areas of the market to ensure safety, cleanliness, and order are observed.