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Mbeya District Council has collected TZS 7.9 billion in internal revenue for the 2025/2026 financial year, exceeding its target of TZS 7.8 billion and achieving 101 percent performance.
The revenue was generated from various local sources, including business activities, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, markets, transport services, health contributions, and council-owned properties.
According to the council’s third quarter report (January–March 2026), the strong performance reflects improved revenue systems, tighter supervision, and growing economic activities within the district.
Council Chairperson Aida Haule said the results show progress in strengthening local revenue collection and improving accountability in key sectors.
“Different sectors have contributed positively, and this is the result of better coordination between officials and taxpayers,” she said during a council meeting.
The business, industry, and investment sector performed well, especially business license fees, which reached 118 percent of the target, equivalent to TZS 228 million against a plan of TZS 194 million.
Overall, the sector collected TZS 248 million, achieving 92 percent performance by April 30, 2026. Other contributions came from guest house charges, liquor licenses, transport-related fees, and registration services.
In the finance and administration category, rental income from council properties contributed TZS 178 million, achieving 86 percent of the target.
Service levy collection reached TZS 678 million, equivalent to 85 percent of the target. Market fees collected amounted to TZS 36 million, while parking and bus stand charges contributed TZS 119 million. Weekly market fees (magulio) generated TZS 16 million.
The agricultural sector also contributed significantly to the council’s revenue performance.
Avocado farming recorded TZS 42.6 million, exceeding its target at 142 percent, while coffee generated TZS 846.6 million, achieving 130 percent performance.
Other crops showed mixed results. Pyrethrum collected TZS 205 million (70 percent), maize TZS 237.6 million (99 percent), beans TZS 48.2 million (47 percent), rice TZS 4.5 million (11 percent), and bananas TZS 842,000 (17 percent).
Council officials said the strong performance in key crops like coffee and avocado helped balance weaker performance in other agricultural products.
They added that improved systems, increased awareness among taxpayers, and closer monitoring of revenue collection contributed to the overall success.
However, leaders noted that some areas still have untapped potential, especially in agricultural levies and market-based charges, which require further improvement.
The council has called for continued efforts to strengthen weak revenue sources in order to increase funding for development projects and service delivery at the community level.
Mbeya DC’s performance places it among local authorities that have met and slightly surpassed their annual revenue targets, strengthening its ability to implement development priorities across the district.
