Tanzania to expand digital revenue systems, strengthen public finance reforms in 2026/27

 


By Our Reporter

Tanzania will accelerate the use of digital systems to boost domestic revenue collection and strengthen public financial management in the 2026/27 fiscal year, as part of efforts to support economic growth, improve service delivery and safeguard macroeconomic stability.

Presenting the Ministry of Finance’s budget estimates in parliament on Tuesday, the Finance Minister said the government was prioritizing digital transformation as a key driver of revenue mobilization and efficiency in public administration.

“The government will continue to strengthen the use of digital systems in revenue collection to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in the management of public resources,” the minister said.

A key focus will be the completion of the Universal Billing System (UBS), a centralized digital platform designed to streamline the collection of government fees, levies and other non-tax revenues across institutions.

“The Universal Billing System will enhance efficiency in the collection of government revenues while simplifying payment processes for citizens and businesses,” he added.

The reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen public financial management systems, improve coordination between government institutions and reduce inefficiencies in revenue administration.

Officials said the government will also deepen integration of financial management platforms to improve oversight, enhance transparency and strengthen the security of public financial data amid growing cyber risks.

“As financial systems become more digital, we must also strengthen cybersecurity to protect government platforms from threats that could disrupt public services,” the minister said.

In addition, the government will continue pursuing prudent fiscal and monetary policies aimed at sustaining economic growth, containing inflation and ensuring public debt remains at sustainable levels.

The ministry also announced plans to finalize a Public Asset Management Policy and expand the use of digital tools to register, monitor and manage government-owned assets more effectively.

“This will help improve accountability and ensure better utilization of public assets for national development,” the minister said.

To support infrastructure development and reduce pressure on public finances, Tanzania will continue promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a mechanism for attracting private investment into strategic projects.

“PPPs remain an important tool for mobilizing private capital to support development priorities and expand service delivery,” he noted.

Other priorities for the 2026/27 fiscal year include reforms in public procurement systems to improve efficiency and transparency, strengthening anti-money laundering frameworks, and expanding financial literacy programmes to improve access to finance.

The government also plans to enhance support for small and medium enterprises by improving access to credit and strengthening the broader financial sector.

Analysts say the continued push toward digitalization reflects Tanzania’s broader strategy to modernize its economy, widen the tax base and improve fiscal discipline as the country seeks to finance development ambitions while maintaining economic stability.

“The reforms are aimed at building a more resilient and efficient public finance system capable of supporting long-term growth,” the ministry said.

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