Zanzibar’s First Vice President Calls for Comprehensive Tax System Reform
Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, has highlighted critical challenges in the current taxation system during a high-level meeting with the Presidential Commission on Tax Reforms.
In a strategic discussion at the Vice President’s office in Migombani, Othman emphasized the urgent need to streamline complex tax regulations that are currently hindering business growth across the region.
“Business owners are trapped in a challenging tax environment with multiple competing authorities,” Othman stated. “Our current system is creating significant operational barriers, particularly in key economic sectors like agriculture.”
The Vice President advocated for a unified and simplified taxation approach that would:
– Reduce administrative redundancies
– Ease business operational complexities
– Create a more attractive investment landscape
– Support critical economic sectors
Key recommendations include comprehensive stakeholder education and a consolidated tax framework designed to attract both local and international investors.
This initiative follows President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s October 4, 2024 directive to comprehensively review the national taxation system and develop actionable reform proposals.
The commission aims to transform the current tax infrastructure, potentially unlocking substantial economic potential for Zanzibar and creating a more business-friendly environment.
The discussions signal a significant step towards economic modernization and strategic fiscal policy reform in the region.
