The government has called on all local councils to improve efficiency in collecting local revenues to ensure better delivery of services and support major development plans starting July 2026, including the National Vision 2050 and the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan (2026/27–2030/31).
Speaking at a two-day working session in Dodoma today, February 19, 2026, Deputy Secretary-General of the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Mr. Sospeter Mtwale, emphasized that the success of government programs depends on the ability of local authorities to collect and manage their revenues effectively.
He noted, “If we do not collect enough revenue, we cannot provide citizens with quality services or achieve national development goals.”
The meeting, attended by Assistant Regional Secretaries, Council Directors, and Heads of Finance and Accounting Units, reviewed revenue collection performance for the 2025/26 fiscal year and prepared estimates for 2026/27.
Mr. Mtwale stressed that revenue collection is not optional; it is a responsibility that requires discipline, transparency, and accountability.
He added that improvements are needed in setting realistic collection targets, managing new sources of revenue, and closely monitoring implementation, while ensuring that revenue planning reflects the economic capacity of each area and the opportunities available.
To strengthen revenue collection, the government is promoting greater use of digital systems. Proper use of technology will help reduce revenue leakages, increase transparency, and enable faster decisions based on accurate data.
Councils have been instructed to improve existing revenue sources, prepare realistic budgets aligned with national priorities, and strengthen monitoring to ensure that targets are achieved on time.
Mr. Mtwale also encouraged finance leaders to assess the implementation of the 2025/26 budget and develop strong strategies to improve performance in the coming fiscal year.
He emphasized that disciplined use of public funds is essential for successful development, and that transparency and accountability must guide every step of revenue collection and spending.