The Government of Tanzania has reiterated the critical role of tax revenues in driving national development, emphasizing that continued progress in infrastructure, social services, and major development projects is largely made possible through the contributions of taxpayers and tax collectors across the country.
This was said in Dar es Salaam on Friday, July 19, 2026, by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Nsubili Joshua, when he represented the Minister for Finance, Ambassador Dr. Khamis Mussa Omar, at the opening of the Second Tax Conference organized by the Tanzania Revenue Authority Tax College under the Ministry of Finance.
Mr. Nsubili said taxpayers and tax administrators remain the backbone of any functioning government, noting that without tax revenue, no country can effectively deliver services or implement development plans that benefit its citizens.
He stressed that the government deeply values the contribution of taxpayers, urging them to continue fulfilling their civic responsibilities with confidence and pride.
“Do not see yourselves as insignificant. You are very important in the development of this country. The government cannot go anywhere without taxpayers and tax collectors. It is through your cooperation that Tanzania continues to perform well and gain recognition internationally,” he said.
He added that Tanzania’s achievements in expanding road networks, improving health and education services, and implementing large-scale development projects are directly linked to the steady growth of domestic revenue collection, driven largely by voluntary tax compliance.
According to him, a strong tax system is not only about enforcement but also about building trust between the government, tax administrators, and taxpayers.
He noted that when taxpayers understand the importance of their contributions, compliance improves, and the entire nation benefits.
Mr. Nsubili also commended the Board of Directors of Tanzania Revenue Authority, the Commissioner General, management, and staff for their continued efforts in creating platforms for dialogue and knowledge sharing among stakeholders in the tax sector.
He said such forums are important in strengthening tax administration, improving efficiency in revenue collection, and ensuring that Tanzania keeps up with global best practices in public finance management.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary highlighted that the Second Tax Conference provides a valuable opportunity for reflection on the achievements made over the past 30 years of the tax authority’s operations, while also setting a clear vision for the next 30 years.
He noted that over the years, Tanzania has made significant progress in modernizing its tax systems, expanding the tax base, and improving service delivery to taxpayers.
However, he emphasized that more effort is still needed to further simplify tax procedures, reduce compliance costs, and enhance transparency.
The conference has brought together senior government officials, tax experts, business leaders, taxpayers, and various stakeholders in the tax sector.
Participants are discussing key achievements, challenges, and future directions for the country’s tax administration system.
Mr. Nsubili encouraged continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, saying that sustainable development can only be achieved when all stakeholders work together in strengthening the country’s revenue base.
He further underscored that the government remains committed to improving the business environment, ensuring fair taxation, and investing tax revenues in projects that directly improve the lives of citizens.
The Second Tax Conference is expected to produce recommendations that will guide reforms in tax policy, enhance efficiency in revenue collection, and strengthen trust between taxpayers and the government as Tanzania moves toward its long-term development goals.
