The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General, Yusuph Juma Mwenda, has reassured traders at the Kariakoo International Market that their businesses remain safe and that the authority will continue working closely with them to strengthen stability and restore full confidence after disruptions linked to the election period.
Speaking during his visit to Kariakoo on November 13, 2025, Mr. Mwenda met with market leaders, traders, and petty traders (wamachinga), conveying the government’s commitment to ensuring a secure and predictable business environment.
“I came to see how your businesses are progressing and to acknowledge the challenges you faced,” he said.
“I am encouraged to witness normal operations and to hear directly from traders that customers are returning and business is flowing again.”he added
Throughout his tour, the Commissioner General observed high activity within the market, with shops open and trade running uninterrupted.
He emphasized that TRA views the stability of Kariakoo one of the most important commercial hubs in Tanzania as essential not only for Dar es Salaam but for regional and cross-border trade.
“Your private businesses are also public businesses because they contribute to national growth,” he noted. “As partners in this journey, we have a duty to safeguard them and ensure they thrive.”
Mr. Mwenda urged business leaders at the market to assess any economic setbacks experienced during the election period and to share recommendations that could guide future preparedness and responsive policymaking.
Kariakoo Traders’ Chairperson, Severin Mushi, affirmed that normalcy has returned and encouraged the public to visit the market with confidence.
“Business is stable, traders are safe, and customers are coming back. We want Tanzanians to know that Kariakoo is operating smoothly,” he said.
Machinga Chairperson, Stephen Lusinde, added that informal traders remained protected throughout the tense period, thanks to nearly 150 young volunteers who helped safeguard shops and stalls.
He assured citizens that security within the market is strong and that all necessary measures are in place to maintain order.
TRA’s engagement at Kariakoo signals stronger collaboration between authorities and traders, marking a renewed effort to bolster the business climate and rebuild momentum in one of the country’s most vital economic centers.
