The government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the working environment for small-scale traders, popularly known as machinga, as part of wider efforts to promote inclusive economic growth and expand employment opportunities across the country.
Speaking during the General Meeting of the Street Vendors Council at Mwenge Grounds in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, Deputy Minister for Finance Eng. Mshamu Ali Munde said the Sixth Phase Government would continue implementing measures aimed at empowering small traders and helping them grow into larger businesses.
Eng. Munde, who represented Finance Minister Amb. Khamis Mussa Omar, said street vendors remain an important pillar of the country’s economy and deserve greater institutional support.
“We want to see small traders grow into major investors. The government recognises the contribution of street vendors to the economy and will continue creating a conducive environment for them to expand their businesses,” he said.
The meeting brought together traders and government leaders to review the progress made during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration and discuss strategies for strengthening the sector.
Eng. Munde said recommendations from the meeting would help improve business policies and regulatory systems while supporting the implementation of the government’s 4Rs philosophy Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding.
He stressed the importance of formalising the informal sector, saying the move would allow traders to access affordable credit facilities, training programmes and improved business infrastructure.
“It is important for traders to operate within the designated areas so that the government can efficiently invest in infrastructure and essential services.
Institutions such as TRA and banks are also continuing to improve their services to make them more friendly to small traders,” he said.
Kinondoni District Commissioner Saad Mtambule praised the Ministry of Finance and its institutions for their cooperation with small traders, particularly efforts by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to strengthen revenue collection while supporting business growth.
He also commended President Samia for expanding economic opportunities and investing in market infrastructure within the district.
“In Kinondoni alone, more than 24 markets have been established or improved, including major facilities such as Tandale Market, alongside the addition of more trading spaces to accommodate small traders in safer and more organised environments,” he said.
Street Vendors Federation (SHIUMA) national chairman Ernest Mtondo said traders appreciate the government’s efforts to improve business conditions and strengthen social protection systems for small entrepreneurs.
He singled out TRA’s ongoing initiatives to create organised trading spaces, including the construction of temporary structures capable of accommodating more than 300 vendors.
“The improvements have started bringing order and dignity to street vending activities,” Mr Mtondo said.
SHIUMA deputy secretary general Joseph Mwanakijiji said the federation was established to unite street vendors nationwide and strengthen cooperation between traders and government institutions.
According to him, the federation has already helped traders gain access to financial services and secure more formalised trading areas.
“Major improvements have been witnessed, including the establishment of facilities such as Machinga Complex in Dodoma and improved business environments in places like Mwenge. We will continue cooperating with TRA on revenue collection while encouraging traders to join social security schemes such as NSSF,” he said.
