As the Tanzania Revenue Authority (Tanzania Revenue Authority) prepares to mark 30 years since its establishment, the institution has renewed its focus on ethics and integrity as key drivers in strengthening revenue collection and encouraging voluntary tax compliance across the country.
On June 17, 2026, TRA’s Internal Affairs Department (INAD) held an Ethics Conference that brought together leaders from various religious denominations to discuss the role of moral values in supporting tax compliance and building a stronger culture of voluntary tax payment.
The meeting is part of activities leading to TRA’s 30th anniversary celebrations scheduled for July 1, 2026.
Opening the conference on behalf of the Commissioner General, Deputy Commissioner Mcha Hassan Mcha said TRA has made significant progress over the past three decades in improving revenue collection systems, while continuing to place ethics at the center of its operations.
He said the authority is strengthening systems, procedures, and internal controls to promote integrity among staff and taxpayers, with the aim of building trust between the government and citizens and increasing voluntary compliance.
“Ethics build trust, and trust strengthens voluntary tax compliance,” he said.
Religious leaders who attended the conference welcomed TRA’s initiative, saying moral values play a major role in shaping responsible citizens and a disciplined society.
They noted that teachings from different faiths consistently emphasize honesty, accountability, and good conduct, which also align with the responsibility of paying taxes.
The Chairman of the Tanzania Interfaith Dialogue Council, Sheikh Alhad Mussa Salum, said TRA’s decision to involve religious leaders is an important step in strengthening public awareness on ethics and taxation.
He noted that religious institutions have strong influence in society and can help encourage citizens to fulfill their civic duties.
He added that paying taxes is not only a legal requirement but also a shared responsibility that directly supports national development by funding essential services such as health, education, infrastructure, and social welfare.
The leader of the Evangelical Fellowship Church Tanzania, Bishop Charles Asher Howard, said religious teachings encourage believers to respect lawful authority and contribute to the development of their nation through responsible actions, including paying taxes.
He said national progress depends on the contribution of all citizens, and tax compliance remains a key foundation for sustainable development.
The religious leaders collectively praised TRA for strengthening collaboration with faith-based organizations, saying such partnerships help bridge the gap between government institutions and communities.
They stressed that promoting ethics and integrity among citizens is essential in reducing tax evasion and increasing voluntary compliance.
As TRA approaches its 30-year milestone, the authority says it will continue strengthening ethical governance, transparency, and stakeholder engagement to build a fair, efficient, and trusted tax system that supports Tanzania’s development goals.
