WCO Enhances Tanzania Revenue Authoritys Capacity Via Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) are deepening their cooperation through a project funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). This initiative aims to enhance the TRA's capabilities in key areas such as commodity classification and valuation. The collaboration involves joint needs assessments, the introduction of project management methodologies, and coordination with other cooperative projects. The overall goal is to facilitate trade, improve customs management in Tanzania, and contribute to the country's economic development.

Imagine a nation's tax system as intricate clockwork, where each component's efficiency directly impacts fiscal health. When these mechanisms lack precision, the consequences ripple across the economy. The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) confronted this very challenge—until the World Customs Organization (WCO) intervened with transformative support.

Strengthening Partnerships

Following WCO Secretary General's February visit, a critical assessment occurred March 27-30 in Dar es Salaam. Funded by Norway's development agency Norad, the 2012-17 WCO Member Customs Capacity Building Program manager evaluated progress and established a six-month action plan to optimize implementation.

Tangible Progress in Core Competencies

The collaboration has already yielded measurable results. Through specialized training and establishing internal expert teams, TRA significantly enhanced capabilities in commodity classification and valuation —cornerstones of customs operations that determine tariff accuracy and trade compliance. These improvements directly contribute to increased revenue collection.

Strategic Roadmap for Future Development

During the review, TRA department heads validated the 2017/18 WCO Capacity Building Needs Assessment , creating a blueprint for targeted technical assistance. This diagnostic approach ensures resources address the most pressing operational gaps while aligning with Tanzania's economic priorities.

Modernizing Through Methodology

WCO experts introduced the Mercator Programme 's project management framework, designed to implement Trade Facilitation Agreement standards. This methodology empowers TRA to streamline procedures, reduce trade costs, and systematically track reform progress—a game-changer for operational efficiency.

Multidimensional Approach to Reform

The discussions extended to complementary initiatives including:

The WCO-INAMA Institutional Assessment Tool for identifying organizational strengths and improvement areas
The WCO-EAC Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program establishing regional trade facilitation standards for pre-approved businesses

These parallel efforts create synergies toward comprehensive customs modernization.

Regional Impact

As part of a seven-nation capacity building initiative, the WCO-Norad program delivers tailored technical support to elevate customs operations across East Africa. Successful implementation promises to boost trade efficiency while strengthening national treasuries throughout the region.

Vision for Sustainable Growth

This partnership transcends technical assistance, representing a strategic alliance to position Tanzania at the forefront of customs innovation. Continued collaboration will expand into new operational domains, creating a model for developing nations seeking to harness international expertise for economic transformation.

The WCO-TRA engagement demonstrates how multilateral cooperation can catalyze institutional capacity building. Through precision diagnostics, customized training, and strategic frameworks, this initiative establishes a replicable blueprint for customs modernization—one that balances revenue protection with trade facilitation to fuel national development.