MWANZA: THE Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) has surpassed its revenue target, reaching 105 per cent of planned collections in the first half of the 2025/2026 financial year.

This milestone highlights improved efficiency in resource mobilisation and a growing culture of business compliance in the country. It signals a robust economic climate conducive for local and foreign direct investment.

Such bureaucratic efficiency sets a high benchmark for regional neighbors like Kenya and Uganda, whose business registration agencies are similarly pushing for digitalization to curb corruption and improve the ease of doing business across the East African Community.

Financial Triumphs and Future Plans

BRELA Managing Director, Mr Godfrey Nyaisa, made the remarks during the BRELA Workers' Council meeting held in the Mwanza Region yesterday. The event was officiated by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Ms Judith Kapinga.

“During this period, a total of 3.1bn/- has been remitted to the Government’s consolidated Fund,” Nyaisa stated. This represents a significant capital injection for public infrastructure projects.

He stated that goal implementation has reached 78 per cent so far, indicating that the institution is on the right track to achieve its annual targets before the fiscal year ends. For the 2026/2027 financial year, BRELA will begin implementing a new strategic plan aimed at building a competitive economy.

The Digital Transformation Mandate

During the meeting, Minister Kapinga emphasised that digital transformation is a key pillar in strengthening the performance of public institutions, particularly BRELA. The shift towards e-governance is non-negotiable in the 21st century.

• Digital systems reduce registration bottlenecks.
• Online services eliminate the need for physical visits.
• Upgraded ICT aligns with international security standards.

She explained that in achieving the National Development Vision 2050, BRELA must continue strengthening its ICT systems to ensure its services are easily accessible online. This echoes Kenya's successful 'eCitizen' portal model, proving digital adoption is the bedrock of regional modernization.

Formalising the Informal Economy

She noted that digital systems will help reduce the time required for business registration and license issuance, while also complying with international information security standards. This efficiency drastically lowers the barrier to entry for youth startups and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Minister Kapinga stressed that the reforms are not only aimed at increasing business registration statistics, but also at ensuring that more businesses enter the formal sector. A formalized economy broadens the tax base and provides a clearer picture of national GDP.

"An efficient registry is the gateway to economic prosperity. By making it easier to do business, we are signaling to the world that Tanzania is ready for global partnerships," Nyaisa concluded.