ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar’s Second Vice- President (2VP), Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, has praised the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) – Zanzibar Office for its achievements in tax collection across the country.
Speaking during the Taxpayer’s Day celebration held at Mazizini area in Zanzibar recently, he attributed the success in revenue collection to the strong collaboration between TRA and the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA), which has fostered a closer relationship with business owners.
“This cooperation has encouraged taxpayers to comply more willingly with their tax obligations,” he said.
He further stated that TRA Zanzibar has exceeded its revenue collection targets, thanks to effective partnerships with taxpayers.
“This success aligns with government efforts to promote national development,” he said.
Mr Abdulla highlighted the contributions of the President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, emphasising that their leadership has boosted revenue generation and accelerated national development, including infrastructure expansion and improved public services.
The 2VP urged TRA Zanzibar to intensify efforts in tax administration by expanding the taxpayer base through enhanced revenue collection systems; enforcing ethical conduct among tax officials; fighting corruption within the tax system; and providing better services to taxpayers.
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He also encouraged TRA officials to educate citizens on the importance of paying taxes, emphasising that tax revenue enables the government to fund essential services such as clean water, healthcare, education, electricity and other social programmes.
Furthermore, Mr Hemed reassured businesses and the public that both governments recognise and appreciate their contributions to national development through tax payments.
He emphasised that all tax revenue will be used transparently to benefit citizens and create a more business-friendly environment for large, medium and small enterprises, as well as investors.
Mr Abdulla urged all citizens to continue paying taxes and to always request receipts for services received. He warned that the government will take strict legal action against tax evaders to curb tax avoidance and ensure compliance.
Meanwhile, Zanzibar’s Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, said that the government is working on improving tax policies to create a conducive environment for businesses and taxpayers.
She said that this will help encourage timely and voluntary tax payments as she emphasised that the government’s role is to establish fair tax laws and regulations that allow taxpayers to fulfil their obligations through efficient and reliable tax collection systems.
TRA Commissioner General Yussuf Juma Mwenda commended businesses across the country for their voluntary tax compliance, recognising their efforts with awards for their significant contributions to national revenue goals.
He also applauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Hussein Ali Mwinyi for creating a business-friendly environment, which has led to an increase in investment and expansion of the tax base in Tanzania.
Speaking on behalf of the private sector, Mr Suleiman Ali Mohammed from the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) affirmed that his organisation works closely with TRA Zanzibar to provide tax education and raise awareness among investors about the importance of voluntary tax compliance.
He emphasised that the private sector recognises the critical role of taxes in national development and pledged to continue paying taxes on time to support Tanzania’s long-term economic growth.
