At a recent breakfast debate organized by Policy Forum with the support of Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF), the spotlight was on the devastating impact of illicit financial flows (IFFs) on Tanzania’s economy. According to the 2021 Global Financial Integrity report, Tanzania loses roughly $1.83 billion every year as companies manipulate invoicing practices on exports and imports, a figure that underscores a critical economic challenge.

Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) represent a significant challenge to Tanzania’s economic stability, depriving the country of substantial revenue that could support critical sectors such as agriculture. This policy brief examines the impact of IFFs on Tanzania’s national budget, focusing on the agriculture sector. It highlights how funds lost through IFFs could bridge the agriculture budget deficit and provides key recommendations to address the issue.

Tax systems are fundamental to the equitable development of any nation, serving a crucial role in resource mobilization and the provision of essential services. However, systemic inequities often prevent these systems from achieving true fairness and inclusivity, particularly in countries like Tanzania. Marginalized groups—including low-income households and women—frequently shoulder a disproportionate tax burden, while the distribution of public revenue remains uneven.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The WAJIBU Institute of Public Accountability and Policy Forum (PF) have officially been introduced in three regions—Dodoma, Lindi, and Katavi by the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG) for the implementation of a new governance project titled Empowering Citizenry Agency for Strengthened Public Governance and Sustainable Growth in Tanzania.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The first Breakfast Debate of 2025, organized by Policy Forum, brought attention to significant concerns regarding Tanzania’s tax system, which, according to experts, is facing stagnation in both tax collection and domestic resource mobilization (DRM). These challenges are increasingly seen as barriers to achieving both economic growth and social equity in the country.

Please be informed that the Policy Forum secretariat office will be closed from December 20, 2024, to January 13, 2024, for the Christmas and New Year holidays.                                    

We would like to wish you a very Happy Holidays.

One of the key highlights of the "Expose the Flow: Working Together to Curb Illicit Financial Flows in Sub-Saharan Africa" project is the pioneering investigative work by Ephrahim Bahemu, a journalist with Mwananchi Communications Ltd. His article, Uneven Playing Field: How Tax Rates Drive Tanzania’s Gold Smuggling, delves into the profound impact of tax policies on the illegal gold trade in Tanzania.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – October 25, 2024

The urgent need to combat Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in Tanzania took centre stage at the Policy Forum’s October Breakfast Debate, hosted in collaboration with the Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) at Four Points by Sheraton. Under the theme “Expose the Flow: The Role of Journalism in Combating Illicit Financial Flows in Tanzania,” the debate brought together journalists and stakeholders to explore the role of investigative and collaborative journalism in addressing this critical issue. 

10 October 2024

As the world prepares to celebrate the potential of tomorrow's girls, the Kuyenda Collective reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that every girl can unlock their full potential through improved education service delivery that addresses inequality.

Background

Dodoma, Tanzania – October 08, 2024

Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Tanzania are trained on how Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) erode national budgets, as part of the Expose the Flow: Working Together to Curb IFFs in Sub-Saharan Africa project. Funded by NORAD through the Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF), the training equips CSOs with the skills and knowledge needed to combat IFFs and advocate for stronger financial governance.