The Minister of Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar (MP), today handed over cash prizes, shields, and certificates to nine winners of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Innovation Awards, in recognition of ideas aimed at improving tax collection and operational efficiency.
The awards, worth a total of TZS 240 million, were presented after a competitive selection from 5,681 entries submitted by citizens and TRA staff since May 2025.
The winning ideas focused on digital innovations developed by young Tanzanians, designed to help TRA expand the taxpayer base, simplify access to e-services, and enable efficient and convenient tax payments.
Minister Omar congratulated the winners – Gabriel Mashenene, Edmund Komba, Emma Sambaya, Malehe Masubi, Ng’wang’wa Loyani, Erick Joachim, Ajra Noordin Ismail, Hubayb Said, and Ismail Mkumbi – for their creativity and contribution to strengthening TRA’s services and revenue collection, which in turn supports national development.
He commended TRA for launching the contest, which encouraged broad public participation in generating innovative solutions, going beyond traditional internal approaches.
“The success of this initiative shows the potential of our youth and citizens to contribute meaningfully to public service improvements,” said Ambassador Omar.
He added that he expects even more entries in the next competition, given the rewards: TZS 50 million for first place, TZS 30 million each for the two second-place winners, and TZS 20 million each for five third-place winners.