Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Mboni Mhita has urged residents and the business community to fully cooperate with officers from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) as the authority rolls out a door-to-door tax education campaign across the region.
Speaking on February 23, 2026, shortly after receiving a special TRA outreach team assigned to the Shinyanga tax region, Mhita said the initiative is designed to take tax education directly to traders at their places of work, while also creating space for taxpayers to raise concerns and offer suggestions to improve service delivery.
He said the campaign seeks to close knowledge gaps that have limited compliance among some traders, noting that lack of information rather than unwillingness has been a major obstacle to meeting tax obligations.
“This exercise is about meeting wananchi where they trade and providing them with clear, accurate information on tax matters,” Mhita said.
“Some people have failed to comply simply because they did not understand the requirements. This campaign gives traders a chance to learn, ask questions and get proper guidance.”he added
Addressing residents, the Regional Commissioner encouraged the business community to use the exercise to better understand the role of taxation in national development, describing tax compliance as a shared civic duty.
“I call upon the people of Shinyanga to come forward and take full advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
“Paying tax is not a punishment; it is a contribution to development. Awareness will help more citizens participate meaningfully.”he added
Mhita noted that many development projects in Shinyanga Region including tarmac roads, schools and improved health services are financed through tax revenues, underscoring the direct link between compliance and improved public services.
He further described paying tax as an act of patriotism that supports sustainable national development, while cautioning against tax evasion, which he said undermines collective progress.
“I want Shinyanga to lead by example in voluntary tax compliance, without the need for force,” Mhita said. “I trust that our people are patriotic and will continue to play their part in building the nation.”
The door-to-door tax education campaign is expected to boost taxpayer awareness, strengthen voluntary compliance and deepen cooperation between TRA and the business community across Shinyanga.