By Business Insider Reporter, Dodoma
The government has directed the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to accelerate its assessment of requirements for establishing a new customs facility in Momba Constituency, signalling a broader push to strengthen cross-border trade infrastructure and revenue mobilisation.
Speaking in Parliament in Dodoma, Deputy Minister for Finance Laurent Deogratius Luswetula said the ongoing evaluation covers feasibility studies, land identification, project costs, and coordination with neighbouring countries – critical steps before construction can commence.
The remarks came in response to a query by Momba MP Condester Michael Sichalwe, who sought clarity on when the long-anticipated customs post would be developed in Momba Constituency, a region increasingly recognised as a strategic trade corridor.
Trade growth driving infrastructure demand
Luswetula noted that the proposed facility is being prioritised in light of rising cross-border trade volumes and the need to enhance efficiency in revenue collection and border control.
The Songwe region, which borders southern African markets, has seen steady growth in the movement of goods, particularly agricultural produce and consumer commodities.
“Construction of customs posts, including in Momba, is guided by national priorities, compliance with customs procedures and regulations, readiness of neighbouring countries, security considerations, availability of funding, and the strategic importance of the location in cross-border trade,” he said.
The project aligns with Tanzania’s broader ambition to position itself as a regional logistics and trade hub, particularly within frameworks such as the East African Community (EAC).
Efficient border infrastructure remains a key enabler of intra-regional trade, reducing delays, curbing informal trade flows, and boosting fiscal revenues.
Customs modernisation has been a central pillar of Tanzania’s economic reform agenda, with TRA increasingly investing in digital systems, one-stop border posts, and risk-based inspection models. However, physical infrastructure gaps – especially in emerging trade corridors – continue to constrain efficiency.
Investment readiness and next steps
The Deputy Minister emphasised that construction will only proceed once all preparatory requirements are completed, including securing budgetary allocations and formal publication in the EAC Gazette – an important step for projects involving cross-border coordination.
He added that TRA is in the final stages of its assessment and will issue an official implementation timeline once preparations are complete. The planned Momba customs post is expected to not only improve trade facilitation but also strengthen Tanzania’s capacity to monitor goods movement, reduce revenue leakages, and support formalisation of cross-border commerce – an area with significant untapped economic potential.
