High fuel consumption sends Zanzibar revenue collection up to record levels

High fuel consumption sends Zanzibar revenue collection up to record levels

Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) has reported a record revenue collection of Sh81.512 billion in January 2025, achieving an efficiency rate of 100.65 percent.

The substantial increase has been attributed to higher fuel consumption in road transport.

One of the significant events during this period was the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, which saw top leaders from both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania launching and laying foundation stones for over 190 development projects across Unguja and Pemba between 20 December and 12 January.

ZRA had initially projected revenue collections of Sh80.984 billion for the period.

Speaking at a press briefing in Unguja on Monday, 3 February 2025, ZRA’s Acting Commissioner, Said Ali Mohamed, described the achievement as historic, noting that for the first time, revenue figures had transitioned from seven to eight digits.

“This Sh81.512 billion collection marks a historic milestone for ZRA. Previously, revenue collection ranged between Sh50 billion and Sh70 billion, but today, we have surpassed Sh81 billion,” said Mohamed.

In comparison, revenue collections for January 2024 stood at Sh70.180 billion. The January 2025 figures represent an increase of Sh11.332 billion, reflecting a 16.15 percent growth.

For the first seven months of the 2024/25 financial year (July to January), ZRA had estimated a total collection of Sh500.187 billion. However, the actual revenue collected reached Sh510.545 billion, achieving an efficiency rate of 102.07 percent. This represents an increase of Sh88.598 billion (21 percent) from the Sh421.949 billion collected during the same period in 2023/24.

Mohamed attributed this success to enhanced tax enforcement efforts, the implementation of sound government policies, and the acceleration of various development projects.

“The massive investment in infrastructure and social services, alongside Zanzibar’s improving economic activities, is a result of the well-structured economic policies of the Eighth Government,” he stated.

Additionally, he credited improved taxpayer compliance, particularly in the use of electronic tax collection systems and the issuance of digital receipts, for the revenue growth.

Despite this progress, some citizens believe there is still room for improvement. Concerns were raised about business operators who continue to resist issuing electronic receipts.

“If ZRA tightens enforcement, revenue collections will increase even further,” said Nasra Khatib, a resident.

Khalid Masoud, a trader in Mtendeni, confirmed that some businesses avoid issuing receipts but praised ZRA for its engagement with traders and efforts to address their concerns.

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Tanzania's opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy
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Tanzania’s opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy

Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo today officially bids farewell to its former Chairman, Juma Duni Haji, also known as Babu Duni, as part of a new policy designed to honor retired senior leaders at a ceremony held at Kiembesamaki, Zanzibar.

The initiative highlights the party’s commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who have served with dedication and integrity.

Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.

The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.

“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.

To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.

The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.

In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.

Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.

The leadership committee may also grant special recognition based on the leader’s contributions. Retired leaders will participate in decision-making meetings according to procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.

Depending on the party’s resources at the time, the policy may also apply to retired deputy chairpersons for both the mainland and Zanzibar, the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General for both mainland and Zanzibar, and the party’s Attorney General.

Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.

Currently, those who are eligible for benefits under this policy include Juma Duni Haji (retired party Chairman) and Zitto Kabwe (retired party leader).Continue Reading