Samia’s plan to transform Lake Zone economy

The President began her working tour of Simiyu by inaugurating key infrastructure projects, including the Sh9.4 billion Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) regional office and the new Simiyu Regional Commissioner’s office, constructed at a cost of Sh6.5 billion.

While commissioning the TRA building, President Hassan reiterated her government’s resolve to rely less on foreign donors and more on domestic revenue to finance Tanzania’s development agenda.

“We must free ourselves from the culture of dependency. These donor countries are using their taxpayers’ money to help us. But for how long will we continue asking for aid while our own country is endowed with vast natural resources?” she asked.

President Hassan said Tanzania has sufficient capacity to generate revenue internally, citing minerals, arable land and water bodies as key assets that should drive development.

“It is disheartening that we allow foreigners to extract our resources, only to return and donate part of what was originally ours,” she said.

“We must wake up, add value to our products and contribute to the national purse.”

Revenue, development and national dignity

President Hassan assured citizens that the government is making extensive use of domestic resources to implement development projects in water supply, electricity and healthcare.

“Today we launched six major projects in Simiyu. Only one—a water pipe factory—was funded through a loan. The rest were implemented with internally generated revenue,” she said.

She insisted that Tanzania’s borrowing is both strategic and manageable. “We borrow to accelerate development, but we repay using our own resources.”

President Hassan highlighted improvements in healthcare delivery, noting that Tanzania has acquired modern diagnostic machines that match those used in India and the United States.

“Even when you are referred abroad, the machines used there are the same as those we have at Muhimbili or Benjamin Mkapa Hospitals,” she said.

She also said the government is expanding electricity access in rural areas to stimulate local production and enable citizens to contribute to national development through taxes.

On tax compliance and TRA conduct

President Hassan directed the TRA to adopt a friendly and educative approach in engaging taxpayers, warning against aggressive enforcement that could harm small businesses.

“Don’t turn business owners into enemies. Engage them, listen and agree on feasible repayment terms,” she said. “But where there are stubborn defaulters, apply the law firmly.”

She stressed the importance of domestic revenue collection, especially as some donors now attach intrusive conditions to their aid.

“Some want access to our citizens’ personal data, including passport information. If it reaches that point, we would rather raise the money ourselves,” she said.

President Hassan also praised the TRA for transforming into a more professional institution, adding that it is no longer viewed as a haven for personal gain.

“Previously, everyone wanted to work at TRA for quick money. Today, it is a disciplined and service-oriented institution,” she said.

TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda said the new office is among the most modern in the country, with a capacity of 200 staff and features such as banking halls and conference rooms.

Built between 2023 and 2025 at a cost of Sh9.4 billion, the facility is expected to improve staff morale and enhance tax compliance.

Mwenda said the Simiyu region had already surpassed its annual target by collecting Sh25 billion against a goal of Sh22 billion.

New RC’s office launched

President Samia also inaugurated the new Simiyu Regional Commissioner’s office, located at the new Government City in Nyaumata. The three-phase project, executed by the Tanzania Building Agency, was completed in 2022.

TBA Regional Manager Erck Mapande said the project includes a 500-seat auditorium and has created employment opportunities, enhanced skills for construction students and stimulated demand for local materials.

Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) Mohamed Mchengerwa said the initiative is part of a national programme to improve government office infrastructure in all 26 mainland regions.

Push for cotton sector reforms

In a separate engagement, President Samia underscored the government’s commitment to revitalising the cotton industry, echoing recent reforms in cashew and coffee sectors.

Speaking after launching a cotton ginnery and a water pipe factory in Bariadi District, the President said cotton was a strategic crop that required value addition and stronger market linkages.

“The same way we’ve reformed cashew, coffee and even pigeon peas, we will ensure cotton is not left behind,” she said.

Industry and Trade deputy minister Exaud Kigahe said new investments in cotton processing will create jobs and deepen the crop’s value chain.

One of the investors, Emmanuel Gungu, thanked the government for creating a supportive environment for local investors, while his business partner Njalu Silanga said value addition would increase rural incomes and expand the government’s tax base.