DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – In a significant move to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance revenue collection, the Government of China has donated electronic tablets to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) through its embassy in Tanzania. The devices will be used to register taxpayers directly from their business locations, expanding the tax base and modernizing revenue administration.
The handover ceremony took place on November 12, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, between Chinese Ambassador H.E. Chen Mingjian and TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda. Commissioner General Mwenda emphasized that the donation would significantly improve TRA’s operational efficiency and simplify the process of registering new taxpayers.
“This donation will enhance TRA’s efficiency in reaching citizens and simplifying the registration of new taxpayers,” stated Mr. Mwenda. He further explained that as the number of taxpayers increases, the individual tax burden decreases while strengthening the nation’s revenue base. He urged all eligible citizens to cooperate with TRA officials during the registration exercise.
Ambassador Chen Mingjian highlighted that the donation reflects the ongoing cooperation between China and Tanzania and supports a key institution driving Tanzania’s economic development. “There are many Chinese investors benefiting from TRA services, hence it is important to continue supporting this key institution for Tanzania’s economic development,” she remarked.
The tablet donation forms part of a broader digital transformation initiative at TRA, which has been working to modernize its operations through technology. The portable devices will enable revenue officers to conduct field registrations more efficiently, particularly reaching small and medium enterprises in both urban and rural areas that may have previously faced challenges in formalizing their businesses.
“This technological support comes at a crucial time as we work toward expanding our tax base and improving compliance through digital means,” added Commissioner General Mwenda. “The tablets will significantly reduce the time and resources required to onboard new taxpayers while improving data accuracy.”
The initiative is expected to broaden Tanzania’s taxpayer base, increase domestic revenue, and support the government’s development agenda. The use of digital tools for taxpayer registration aligns with TRA’s broader strategy to leverage technology in improving tax compliance and service delivery.
