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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Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
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“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
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“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
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