Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda has met with Customs and Excise officers from across the country to discuss ways of strengthening trade facilitation while enhancing border protection and national security.
The meeting, held on January 27, 2026, at the TRA headquarters in Dar es Salaam, took place a day after the commemoration of World Customs Day and focused on improving operational efficiency, curbing smuggling, and reinforcing collaboration between customs officers and the public.
Mr. Mwenda underscored the strategic role of customs officers in safeguarding Tanzania’s borders by preventing the entry of prohibited and illegal goods, noting that their work is vital to both economic stability and national security.
He praised the officers for their dedication and impact, citing a significant rise in customs revenue collections from Sh800 billion to Sh1.2 trillion, a milestone he attributed to their commitment and professionalism.
“We recognize and value your immense contribution to the institution and to the nation. Your efforts have directly strengthened revenue performance and supported national development,” Mr. Mwenda said.
He further assured officers that the TRA, under the Sixth Phase Government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, will continue to improve working conditions and operational systems in order to enhance effectiveness and service delivery within the customs department.
The Commissioner General also called on officers to intensify public awareness campaigns on anti-smuggling and border protection, stressing that informed communities play a critical role in preventing illicit trade.
“Public education is essential. When citizens understand the dangers of smuggling and customs violations, they are more likely to cooperate and report unlawful activities,” he noted.
Mr. Mwenda reiterated that the core mandate of the customs department includes facilitating legitimate trade, securing national borders, preventing smuggling, and collecting revenue to support Tanzania’s development priorities.
During the session, officers from various regions shared updates on their operational environments, highlighted performance trends, and raised challenges affecting their work, providing a platform for constructive dialogue and policy input.
The engagement reflects TRA’s broader strategy to modernize customs operations, strengthen border control, and promote a business-friendly environment while safeguarding national interests.