EA revenue authorities meet to tackle regional challenges

He said the gathering would focus on a wide range of issues, including harmonising tax infrastructure across the region, combating smuggling, streamlining cargo management and enhancing compliance through technology-driven reforms.

According to Mr Nchoka, one of the committee’s key priorities is exploring the application of artificial intelligence and data analytics to detect tax evasion, improve taxpayer services and close revenue leakages.

He also pointed to the need to simplify tax procedures for the informal sector, which remains a major source of untapped revenue and to build capacity among tax administrators through training and career development strategies.

“Our goal is to develop actionable recommendations that will make our revenue systems more efficient, transparent and effective, while also facilitating trade across East Africa. As regional economies evolve, our tax systems must evolve with them,” Mr Nchoka said

Gracing the opening event, Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) commissioner general Yusuph Mwenda praised the committee for fostering dialogue and cooperation among tax bodies, but stressed that persistent challenges continue to undermine progress.

He cited discriminatory fiscal measures, such as tariffs and charges that contravene the East African Community (EAC) protocols, as well as widespread tax evasion and avoidance, which have kept the region’s tax-to-GDP ratios below peer developing economies.

Mr Mwenda also raised concerns over smuggling driven by uneven tax rates across borders, declining voluntary compliance and the complexity of existing tax systems.

He warned that corruption and mismanagement within revenue administrations erode public trust, which in turn discourages compliance.

“Our taxpayers want a system that is simple and predictable. Even a small business owner or a Form Four leaver should be able to understand their tax obligations without fear of disputes. We must work towards harmonization of domestic taxes, stronger enforcement in the digital economy and innovations that rebuild trust.”

Mr Mwenda added that trade facilitation must remain central to revenue administration, noting that “business comes first and taxation comes second”.

He urged the committee to deliver practical solutions that will both ease the cost of doing business and strengthen the revenue base.

The EARATC meeting, which marks its 100th session, will run throughout the week and is expected to issue recommendations to guide East Africa’s revenue authorities in advancing harmonization, improving compliance and leveraging technology to boost domestic resource mobilization.

EARATC is a regional platform comprising representatives from the revenue authorities of the East African Community (EAC) member states, which include Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The committee serves as a collaborative forum to address common challenges in tax administration and policy, promote harmonization of tax systems and enhance domestic revenue mobilization across the region.