The Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) leadership, led by CTI Chairman Mr. Hussein Suphian, Vice Chairman Eng. Benedict Lema, and Executive Director Eng. Leodegar Tenga, met with the Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Mr. Yusuph Mwenda, and TRA Management on 14 September 2026 at the TRA offices in Dar es Salaam.
The meeting focused on strengthening and advancing cooperation between CTI and TRA, while providing an opportunity to discuss key tax challenges facing manufacturers and explore practical solutions to improve Tanzania’s business, production and investment environment.
Strengthening Tax Compliance and Awareness
Among the key issues discussed was the importance of continued tax education and compliance among manufacturers, including ensuring that businesses understand their tax obligations and comply with applicable laws, regulations and procedures.
CTI and TRA emphasised the need for continued engagement and awareness initiatives to support businesses in meeting their tax obligations while addressing challenges that may arise in the course of doing business.
VAT on Capital Goods and Production Infrastructure
CTI also raised the issue of VAT exemptions applicable to capital goods and production infrastructure, highlighting its importance to manufacturers and investment in productive capacity.
TRA committed to working on the matter as part of the ongoing engagement between the two institutions.
Expanding the Taxpayer Base
The meeting further discussed the importance of broadening the taxpayer base, particularly within the agriculture sector, while continuing to promote formalization and the use of official receipt systems.
In this regard, the meeting highlighted the need for increased awareness among farmers and outgrowers, particularly those operating in the sugarcane sector, on the systems and tools available for issuing receipts for their business transactions.
The Integrated Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS) was highlighted as one of the available systems, which is provided free of charge. The meeting noted the importance of further education and awareness to ensure that users understand how to effectively access and use the system.
Strengthening the Fight Against Counterfeit Goods
CTI and TRA also agreed to strengthen collaboration in the fight against counterfeit and illicit goods.
The two institutions will seek to enhance efforts to identify and control illegal products that can undermine the competitiveness of local manufacturers, affect government revenue and pose risks to consumer safety.
Strengthening Industry–Government Dialogue
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by CTI and TRA to strengthen dialogue, cooperation and joint problem-solving on tax and compliance matters affecting the manufacturing sector.
Through continued engagement, CTI and TRA aim to address industry concerns while promoting compliance and contributing to a more predictable, supportive and competitive business environment for Tanzania’s industrial sector.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between industry and government institutions in addressing challenges and supporting sustainable industrial and economic growth.
CTI Meets TRA to Discuss Tax Challenges and Strengthen Collaboration