The Minister of Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar (MP), has outlined the performance of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in government revenue collection during the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, noting its contribution to financing government operations and development projects.
He was speaking while opening the Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting of the Tanzania Revenue Authority for the 2025/26 financial year, held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) in Arusha.
According to the Minister, TRA collected TZS 18.77 trillion between July and December 2025, surpassing the half-year target of TZS 18.10 trillion, representing an achievement rate of 103.7 percent.
He said that in December 2025 alone, TRA collected TZS 4.13 trillion, the highest monthly collection recorded since the Authority was established.
He noted that the performance indicates progress toward achieving the revenue target set for the 2025/26 financial year.
The Minister said the revenue performance reflects the impact of policy and system reforms implemented by the Sixth Phase Government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, including investments in modern tax administration systems, improved tax policies and the use of digital technologies.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring the effective operation of the new Integrated Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS) once it is officially launched, saying the system is expected to improve transparency, efficiency and accountability in revenue collection.
He also called on TRA to continue expanding the tax base, particularly in the informal sector, online businesses and the digital economy, while applying taxpayer-friendly approaches to improve compliance.
Deputy Ministers for Finance, Eng. Mshamu Ali Munde (MP) and Laurent Luswetula, said the Ministry will continue working closely with TRA to ensure it meets its short-term and long-term revenue objectives and strengthens engagement with taxpayers.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the TRA Board of Directors, Dr. Albina Chuwa, officials said efforts are ongoing to expand the number of registered taxpayers from seven million to 21 million, with the aim of increasing domestic revenue to support public services and development initiatives.
TRA Commissioner General, Mr. Yusuph Mwenda, said the meeting will assess performance for the next six months and identify areas requiring improvement to ensure revenue targets are achieved by June 2026.
He said that between July and December 2025, TRA recorded a revenue growth of 13.6 percent, reflecting improved tax administration and increased economic activity.
He added that the performance supports the achievement of the annual revenue target of TZS 36.06 trillion for the 2025/26 financial year.
Mr. Mwenda further said TRA is targeting a revenue-to-GDP ratio of more than 14.1 percent in 2025/26, up from 13.7 percent recorded in 2024/25.
He noted that the rollout of the upgraded IDRAS system in 2026 is expected to support improved tax administration and sustainable domestic revenue growth.