Tanga. The minister for Finance, Amb Khamis Mussa Omar, has lauded business owners in Tanga Region for their outstanding tax compliance, revealing that the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) surpassed its regional collection target by 26 percent for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Speaking to local business leaders during a working visit to the region, Amb Omar emphasised that tax compliance remains the bedrock of national development and is vital for funding key government projects.
The TRA had initially projected a tax collection of Sh425.74 billion for the region, but ultimately secured Sh535.79 billion, a success Amb Omar attributed directly to the strong spirit of cooperation between tax authorities and the local business community.
Looking ahead to the 2026/2027 financial year, the government has set a collection target of Sh580 billion for Tanga.
Amb Omar urged entrepreneurs to continue paying their taxes voluntarily and honestly, noting that roughly two-thirds of government expenditure should ideally be funded by domestic revenues to reduce reliance on external aid.
He added that when businesses thrive, the government also succeeds, securing the necessary resources to improve public services and expand national infrastructure.
A significant portion of this economic growth is being driven by heavy state investment in local logistics. The government has invested Sh429.1 billion in upgrading Tanga Port, a move that is already yielding impressive dividends.
Over the past year, the port generated Sh436 billion in revenue. Local residents are also beginning to see the broader benefits of this modernisation, with large cargo vessels from the US and China recently initiating direct voyages to Tanga Port, signalling growing international investor confidence.
To build on this momentum, the Tanzania Ports Authority is preparing for the second phase of the port’s expansion, which will feature the construction of a 900-metre container berth.
This project is expected to accommodate larger vessels, streamline trade, and further boost government revenues.
These developments have already contributed to a 75 percent rise in customs revenues in Tanga within a single year, cementing the region’s status as a critical transport hub for cargo heading to neighbouring countries via the port and the national railway network.
Amb Omar assured traders that the government will continue to enhance transport infrastructure, working alongside the Tanzania Railways Corporation to add more cargo wagons to meet growing demand.
Responding to the Minister’s address, the Secretary of the Tanga Business Community, Mr Ismail Masood, thanked the government for its ongoing efforts to empower local traders, particularly small business owners.
He affirmed that the business community is eager to pay taxes voluntarily to help realise the nation’s 2050 Development Vision.
However, Mr Masood gently urged the government to prioritise public education and dialogue before implementing regulatory or policy changes, warning that abrupt transitions often leave business owners confused and can lead to unnecessary financial losses.
