Zanzibar’s Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr. Juma Malik Akil, has commended the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) for its strong performance in revenue collection, noting that improved tax revenue is critical to financing development projects and advancing national development priorities.

Dr. Akil made the remarks when he met TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda at his office in Vuga, Zanzibar. He commended the TRA leadership for strengthening revenue collection and contributing to the implementation of development projects, including roads, schools and sports facilities.

The Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening interoperability between TRA’s digital systems and those of other institutions under the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. He said interconnected systems would enhance revenue collection, simplify tax services, facilitate business operations and help close avenues for tax evasion.

For his part, TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda reaffirmed TRA’s commitment to working closely with the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) to improve taxpayer services, facilitate trade and address tax evasion. He said the cooperation would contribute to stronger revenue mobilisation while ensuring taxpayers receive efficient and quality services.

Commissioner General Mwenda further said TRA, through the Tax Institute, would continue providing tax education and capacity building to staff of institutions such as ZRA and other stakeholders. He also highlighted the importance of establishing One Stop Centres to simplify access to government services and create a more business-friendly environment for traders and the public.

As part of its efforts to bring services closer to taxpayers, TRA is set to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a new TRA office in Kizimkazi, South Unguja Region, on August 12, 2026. The initiative is expected to enhance access to tax services for taxpayers in the area.