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The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has taken a major step to strengthen trade across the country by launching 200 Trade Facilitation Desks. The desks, which officially begin operation on August 19, 2025, are designed to identify traders, address business challenges, and provide much-needed support to entrepreneurs.
The launch ceremony was held on August 16, 2025, at the Chief Kingalu Main Market in Morogoro, and it was officiated by the Commissioner General of TRA, Yusuph Juma Mwenda. The move follows the directives of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has consistently emphasized the importance of supporting traders and creating a friendlier business environment in Tanzania.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner General Mwenda explained that the desks are not set up to collect taxes but to empower traders and support their growth. He stressed that the government’s goal is to give traders the recognition they deserve while helping them overcome challenges that often slow down their businesses.
“The aim of the desk is not to collect taxes, but to identify traders, support their growth, and address the challenges they face in their business activities,” Mwenda said. “This is not a desk to squeeze money from traders but to help them grow. We want to see every entrepreneur realizing their business dreams.”
The new initiative comes at a time when the Tanzanian government has already taken steps to ease business operations. Recently, President Samia Suluhu Hassan approved a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate, bringing it down from 18 percent to 16 percent for traders using digital payment systems such as mobile money and bank transfers. This decision was well received, as it reduces the financial burden on small and medium-sized businesses and encourages digital transactions across the country.
Business leaders in Morogoro Region welcomed the creation of the facilitation desks. The Chairman of the Tanzania Business Community in Morogoro, Ally Mamba, praised the move, saying it will play a vital role in supporting entrepreneurship and driving business growth. He said the desks will bridge the gap between traders and the government, creating a platform for communication and solutions.
Similarly, Faustine Francis, the Chairman of Small Traders, commonly known as Machinga, in Morogoro Region, said the initiative is particularly good news for small-scale traders. According to him, many small traders have been working informally for years without official recognition. He believes the new desks will help them become part of the formal economy, opening up opportunities for business expansion and easier access to resources.
The launch of the Trade Facilitation Desks is part of a broader effort by the Tanzanian government to create an enabling business environment that supports traders at all levels. Officials have explained that the desks will also serve as feedback centers, where traders can share their experiences and challenges directly with TRA. This feedback will then be used to improve policies and business regulations, ensuring that traders can operate smoothly.
The decision to open 200 desks across the country shows the government’s commitment to making sure the benefits are not limited to big cities but also reach traders in smaller towns and rural areas. For many entrepreneurs, especially those in the informal sector, this initiative could be the beginning of a more structured and supportive relationship with the authorities.
Observers say the move is in line with Tanzania’s economic growth goals and will help strengthen the role of local traders in national development. By offering support rather than only focusing on tax collection, the TRA hopes to encourage more people to start businesses and contribute to the economy.
For a country where the informal sector plays a massive role in providing jobs and income, initiatives like these are seen as crucial. They not only support individuals but also strengthen communities and contribute to national stability. With the backing of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the cooperation of local traders, the Trade Facilitation Desks may become a cornerstone in Tanzania’s journey toward inclusive economic growth.
As operations begin nationwide on August 19, all eyes will be on how well the initiative will perform in addressing traders’ real challenges. If successful, the desks could serve as a model for other African countries looking to balance tax administration with genuine business support.
