The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has launched the second phase of its nationwide initiative inviting citizens to share innovative ideas aimed at expanding the tax base and improving the quality of tax services in the country.
The launch was held on April 29, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, where TRA Commissioner General, Yusuph Juma Mwenda, said the initiative reflects the authority’s commitment to building a more inclusive and efficient tax system through public participation.
He said TRA exists to serve citizens, as it collects revenue on behalf of the government to finance development projects and public services.
For that reason, he stressed that involving the public in generating solutions is a practical way of ensuring that reforms are grounded in real experiences from taxpayers.
Mwenda noted that the second phase follows a successful first round, which attracted 5,681 innovative submissions from across the country.
From those ideas, 106 were shortlisted for further consideration, and 9 innovators progressed to advanced stages after showing strong potential to improve tax administration.
He said the second phase has been improved to strengthen transparency, fairness, and trust. One of the key changes is the establishment of an independent committee that will receive and evaluate all submissions.
The committee does not include TRA employees, a move aimed at ensuring impartiality in the selection process.
Mwenda also announced an improved reward structure designed to encourage wider participation. The overall winner will receive 50 million shillings, while two second-place winners will each get 30 million shillings. Two third-place winners will each receive 20 million shillings.
In addition, 15 other participants with outstanding ideas will each receive 10 million shillings. All participants whose ideas reach the second stage will also receive 100,000 shillings each as recognition of their contribution.
He emphasized that the initiative is not only about competition but about finding practical solutions that can make tax services easier, more accessible, and more responsive to citizens’ needs.
According to him, priority areas include expanding the tax base, especially in the informal sector, simplifying tax assessment and payment procedures for small businesses, improving digital tax services, enhancing systems for resolving tax disputes, and increasing the use of technology in tax administration.
Mwenda said these areas are important in ensuring that more citizens are brought into the formal economy in a fair and supportive manner, without unnecessary complications or barriers.
He further encouraged Tanzanians from all walks of life, including business owners, professionals, students, and technology innovators, to actively participate in the program.
He assured the public that all submitted ideas will be treated fairly, evaluated professionally, and considered for possible implementation where applicable.
The initiative is part of TRA’s broader reforms aimed at modernizing tax administration, improving efficiency, and strengthening cooperation between the authority and taxpayers to support national development.
