SUMBAWANGA: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has exceeded its revenue target by three times at the Kasesya-Zombe border post between Zambia and Tanzania in Rukwa Region for the 2023/24.
According to Rukwa Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr Msalika Makungu, the revenue collection surged to 12.42bn/- for 2023/24, compared to 3.15bn/- in 2022/23.
Mr Makungu shared these figures during a recent meeting with Tanzania Investment Centre’s Chairperson, Dr Binilith Mahenge, who had paid a courtesy call to his office.
The RAS attributed the revenue increase to the rise in exports and imports in the region and a businessperson are using the border post to avoid congestion at TundumaNakonde border.
“The collection reflects import, export and transit trends over the past three financial years, showing a notable increase. “This growth was further fueled by the newly constructed 50-kilometre road connecting SADC countries through neighbouring Zambia, which has facilitated the smooth flow of goods and services in the region,” Mr Makungu said.
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The total revenue collection increased significantly by 326.09 per cent, rising from 1.2bn/- in 2021/22 to 4.09bn/- in 2022/23. Export revenue at the border post saw a fourfold increase, reaching 1.42bn/- in 2023/24, up from 358.8m/- in 2021/22.
Additionally, transit revenue at Kasesya port grew from 152.24m/- in 2021/22 to 1.23bn/- in 2023/24. Goods imported via the Kasesya border post mainly include electronics, furniture, mining equipment, used vehicles and cosmetics.
Meanwhile, exports consist of rice, wheat, maize flour, beans, sugar and maize, primarily destined for neighbouring Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Kasesya-Matai Road, which connects to the Sumbawanga-Matai-Kasanga port on Lake Tanganyika, plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods and people within the SADC region.
The newly developed tarmacked road is expected to ease congestion at the Tunduma border post, where delays have historically resulted in higher transportation costs.
“Additionally, the road has strengthened socio-economic activities, including the transportation of food and cash crops, forest products and other cargo,” Mr Makungu added.
Dr Mahenge, during his visit to Rukwa, focused on raising awareness among Tanzanians about investment opportunities and incentives available under the new Investment Act of 2022.
