The government has called on businesses to increase production, add value to local products and expand exports as part of efforts to reduce Tanzania’s trade deficit and strengthen economic growth.
The Minister for Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, said increasing exports remains critical for improving foreign exchange earnings and ensuring Tanzania benefits more from international trade.
Speaking during a visit to the Horohoro One Stop Border Post in Tanga Region, Ambassador Omar said the country has made progress in improving the business environment and revenue collection, but more efforts are needed to boost the volume and value of goods sold in foreign markets.
Trade figures from Horohoro Customs Station show that goods worth TZS 748 billion passed through the facility in the previous financial year.
Of this amount, exports accounted for TZS 238 billion, while imports stood at TZS 510 billion, creating a significant trade gap.
“Every country wants to export more than it imports. These figures remind us that we need to increase production, strengthen value addition and improve the competitiveness of our products in international markets,” Ambassador Omar said.
He said Tanga Region has significant potential in agriculture, manufacturing, minerals and logistics, which can be leveraged to increase exports and create more economic opportunities for Tanzanians.
The minister said the government will continue investing in trade infrastructure, modern customs systems and border facilities to reduce delays, improve efficiency and support businesses engaged in legitimate trade.
He noted that Tanzania’s economic outlook provides a favourable environment for business expansion, with the economy recording 5.9 per cent growth in 2025 and projected to grow by 6.3 per cent in 2026.
On revenue performance, Ambassador Omar said Horohoro One Stop Border Post has been set a collection target of TZS 136 billion for the 2026/27 financial year after exceeding its previous target.
The border facility collected TZS 125 billion in the last financial year against a target of TZS 115 billion, making it one of the key contributors to government revenue in Tanga Region.
He also announced that the government has allocated TZS 573 billion in the 2026/27 Budget to strengthen TRA operations, including the purchase of 27 modern cargo scanners for customs stations across the country.
According to Ambassador Omar, the new equipment will help speed up cargo clearance, improve border security and ensure accurate assessment of goods entering and leaving the country.
“We are investing in technology that will make trade easier, strengthen revenue collection and support businesses. Efficient border systems are essential for economic growth,” he said.
The minister urged traders to use official trade channels, comply with regulations and increase exports of Tanzanian products to regional and global markets.
Acting Tanga Regional Commissioner Dadi Kolimba said the region continues to perform well in revenue collection, ranking sixth nationally, due to improved cooperation between government institutions and businesses.
He said Horohoro remains a strategic economic gateway, supporting trade between Tanzania and neighbouring countries, while the regional government will continue working with TRA to address challenges and improve the business environment.
TRA Deputy Commissioner General Mcha Hassan Mcha and Horohoro One Stop Border Post Manager Shadrack Mbonea said the authority has strengthened efforts to combat smuggling through coordinated operations with other government agencies.
They added that improved cargo inspections will help protect legitimate businesses, increase compliance and ensure the government collects the revenue needed to finance development programmes.
The visit was also attended by Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Accountant General CPA Leonard Mkude, alongside senior officials from the ministry and its institutions.
