TRA explores the need for a customs post for Songwe cross-border trade

DODOMA: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) is continuing to assess the need for the construction of a customs post in Momba Constituency, Songwe Region, as part of efforts to improve revenue collection and cross-border trade management.

This was stated today, April 8, 2026, in Parliament in Dodoma by Deputy Minister of Finance, Laurent Luswetula, while responding to a question from Momba Constituency Member of Parliament, Condester Sichalwe, who inquired about when the government plans to start constructing the customs post.

Luswetula explained that the ongoing assessment involves a feasibility study of the project, identification and acquisition of the site, cost estimates, and evaluation of the readiness of neighboring countries to coordinate customs operations.

He noted that Momba has been prioritized due to increasing trade activity, making it a key location for enhancing efficiency in revenue collection and cross-border trade control.

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“The construction of customs posts, including in Momba, is carried out in accordance with government priorities, compliance with customs regulations, readiness of neighboring countries, security considerations, availability of funding, and assessment of the site’s significance for cross-border trade,” Luswetula said.

He added that construction will commence once all preparatory steps are completed, including securing project funding through the government budget and formal publication in the East African Community Gazette.

Furthermore, Luswetula stated that TRA continues to advance these preparations and will issue an official update once the implementation schedule is finalized, emphasizing the need to expedite the assessment, which is already in its final stages.