Mustafa Dossaji: How Tanzania’s top taxation student made his mark

His journey from school topper to international recognition is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and the support of mentors and family.

Mustafa’s academic journey has been marked by hard work and impressive accomplishments.

In 2020, during his Form Four national exam, he topped his class and earned the Best Business Student award in secondary school, setting the foundation for his interest in finance and accountancy.

Reflecting on these years, he recalls the crucial role of his teacher, Mr Francis Nondo Green, from Burhani Secondary School, whose mentorship provided him with a strong grounding in commerce and bookkeeping.

“His teaching inspired me to see the potential in accountancy,” Mustafa recalls, adding that this mentorship helped him develop the discipline and curiosity that would later become central to his success.

After high school, Mustafa chose to pursue the ACCA qualification, which he saw as the next step in building a future in finance.

“I embarked on this journey because I saw accountancy as a way to unlock opportunities for myself and to contribute to business growth and transparency in Tanzania,” he shares.

Mustafa started his ACCA studies at Financial and Business Training Centre (FBTC) College in Dar es Salaam in July 2021, studying there until November 2022.

He then returned to Tanga, where he continued his studies independently, proving that self-discipline and focus can yield impressive results.

However, balancing rigorous coursework and exam preparation wasn’t easy, especially as Mustafa chose to focus on one ACCA paper at a time.

This method allowed him to delve deeply into each subject, ensuring thorough understanding and preparation before traveling to Dar es Salaam to sit for his exams.

Mustafa’s approach combined daily study routines with a variety of resources, including textbooks, online tutorials, and practice exams.

“I focused on consistency. Each day was a step forward, and I made sure to stay curious about each topic,” he says.

He continues that to manage challenging concepts, Mustafa often broke the material down into smaller parts or sought the guidance of study mates and mentors.

“The toughest part was maintaining balance, especially when the workload seemed overwhelming. But setting short-term goals helped me stay positive and motivated,” he notes.

In his pursuit of excellence, Mustafa recognizes the invaluable support from his family, particularly his mother, Madam Sakina.

As a dedicated preschool teacher, Madam Sakina has been both a role model and a source of encouragement for Mustafa.

Her unwavering belief in his abilities has inspired him to overcome challenges and remain focused on his goals.

“Her support has been my cornerstone. Having someone who believes in you through every step of the journey makes all the difference,” he adds.

Alongside his mother, Mustafa’s friends and mentors have played vital roles in his academic and personal development.

He attributes much of his success to the advice, encouragement, and guidance he has received over the years, emphasizing that support networks are essential for anyone pursuing demanding studies like ACCA.

Today, Mustafa is combining his ACCA studies with part-time work at BESIX Ballast Nedam, where he’s gaining practical experience that complements his academic knowledge.

Despite the demands of both work and study, he finds time to enjoy his passion for soccer, which provides him with a much-needed break from his rigorous routine.

His journey so far highlights the importance of balancing academics with other pursuits to maintain mental and emotional well-being.

When asked about his motivation, Mustafa cites a genuine love for learning and a strong sense of purpose.

His desire to contribute to Tanzania’s economic landscape and to help businesses grow through sound financial practices fuels his commitment to accountancy.

“I want to be part of the process that supports business success and transparency,” he says, adding that the potential impact of his work keeps him driven.

Looking ahead, Mustafa is open to further specialization in fields like tax consultancy or auditing.

He’s eager to deepen his expertise and become a well-rounded financial professional who can positively impact any organization he works with.

“Continuous learning excites me because there’s always more to discover,” he explains.

Mustafa’s ambition to help build trustworthy financial systems in Tanzania underscores his dedication not only to his career but also to giving back to his community.

“That’s my biggest dream for sure,” he reveals while smiling.