The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) will mark its 30th anniversary on July 1, 2026, with a major national event that will see the President present awards to the country’s most outstanding taxpayers, recognising their contribution to economic growth and public service delivery.
The celebrations, which coincide with the Presidential Taxpayer Awards for the 2024/25 financial year, come at a time when Tanzania is increasingly relying on domestic revenue to finance development projects and reduce dependence on external funding.
Speaking in Dodoma on behalf of TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda, the authority’s Director of Taxpayer Education and Communication, Richard Kayombo, said the anniversary will be held under the theme: “Three Decades of TRA, Taxpayer the Hero, Self-Reliant Tanzania.”
He said the event will provide an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s journey since its establishment in 1996 and the progress made in revenue collection, taxpayer services and voluntary tax compliance.
“The celebrations are aimed at honouring the achievements recorded over the past 30 years while encouraging taxpayers to continue fulfilling their obligations voluntarily and strengthening the partnership between TRA and taxpayers,” Mr Kayombo said.
A key highlight of the event will be the Presidential Awards, which will be presented to taxpayers who have distinguished themselves through integrity, compliance and significant contributions to the national treasury during the 2024/25 financial year.
The awards, according to TRA, are intended not only to recognise exemplary taxpayers but also to demonstrate the central role taxes play in financing the country’s development agenda.
Tax revenues remain the government’s largest source of domestic financing, supporting investments in critical sectors such as health, education, water, energy and infrastructure.
From the construction of roads and bridges to the expansion of schools and healthcare facilities, many of the services enjoyed by Tanzanians are funded through taxes collected by the authority.
Mr Kayombo said the recognition of top taxpayers reflects the government’s appreciation of individuals and businesses that consistently meet their tax obligations and contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
“The development achievements visible across various sectors are largely made possible through tax revenues. Taxpayers therefore remain key partners in building a stronger and more self-reliant Tanzania,” he said.
Since its establishment three decades ago, TRA has undergone significant transformation, introducing digital tax systems, expanding taxpayer education programmes and implementing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and compliance.
The authority has also intensified efforts to broaden the tax base and simplify tax administration as part of wider government initiatives to enhance domestic resource mobilisation and support sustainable economic growth.
As the institution prepares to celebrate the milestone, TRA has urged taxpayers and the public to continue embracing a culture of voluntary compliance and timely payment of taxes.
According to the authority, strengthening tax compliance is essential to maintaining the government’s capacity to deliver public services, implement strategic development projects and achieve Tanzania’s long-term economic ambitions.
The anniversary celebrations are expected to bring together senior government officials, business leaders, development partners and taxpayers from across the country to commemorate TRA’s 30-year contribution to national development and recognise those who have played a pivotal role in supporting the country’s revenue collection efforts.
