ZRA smashes revenue collection target

Unguja. The Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) has broken its annual revenue collection record with an impressive 106 percent efficiency.

For the fiscal year 2023/24, the ZRA successfully collected Sh718.7 billion, surpassing the collection target of Sh675.6 billion and achieving 106 percent of the expected tax collection target.

Several factors contributed to this achievement, including system improvements, voluntary tax compliance, professionalism among authority executives, and a conducive business environment. These collections spanned from July 2023 to June 2024.

Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda, in a July 2, 2024, media briefing, highlighted a 27.01 percent increase, equivalent to Sh152.8 billion, compared to the actual revenues of the previous fiscal year 2022/23, which were Sh565.8 billion.

"This is the first time the ZRA has set a record by exceeding the target and increasing collections every month throughout the entire fiscal year 2023/24, achieving efficiencies and growth of 106.39 percent and 27.01 percent respectively," said Mwenda.

He said that key factors contributing to this success include improved relations with businesses in Zanzibar, significant investment in infrastructure and social services, enhanced economic activity, and increased tourism due to effective economic policies.

Mwenda also outlined strategies for the fiscal year 2024/25, aiming to collect over Sh800 billion. These strategies focus on legal facilitation for businesses, system improvements, timely resolution of tax-related challenges, and enhancing visitor registration and online transport service providers' information availability.

The ZRA's proactive measures include scientific research to address tax-related concerns and innovative approaches to streamline service delivery through the Zidras system and other institutional frameworks.