By Nicodemus Ikonko
Prominent Arusha businessman, Mr Willy Chambulo, has pleaded with the government to create a more conducive environment for Tanzanians to attain wealth, cautioning that the state should not appear as though it were an enemy of businesspeople.
Contributing to a plenary debate during the recently held Arusha Investment Forum 2025, Mr Chambulo said entrepreneurs simply want conditions that allow their businesses to be predictable with stable profit margins after paying taxes.
“Paying tax is good and honourable, but too many taxes stifle businesses,” he remarked, stressing that excessive taxation makes some entrepreneurs feel the government is anti-business.
Mr Chambulo was speaking at a forum also attended by the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa and Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo.
Responding, the Minister for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, noted that the government had abolished around 384 taxes and levies in a bid to support business growth and ensure entrepreneurs enjoy the fruits of their hard work.
“It’s not true that the government is anti-business…though we could do better,” he emphasised.
However, Prof Mkumbo concurred with Mr Chambulo on the need for simultaneous improvement in sites and services when the government undertakes major infrastructure projects like road construction to ensure planned development.
Earlier, Prof Mkumbo had highlighted Arusha’s strategic potential to become an industrial hub for East Africa, citing its economic strength in agriculture, mining, tourism and livestock development.
“The government envisions every region establishing industrial parks to add value to our products – from agriculture to mining and livestock,” Prof Mkumbo stated.
His sentiments were echoed by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo. “The ongoing construction of the Magadi Soda Factory at Engaruka in Monduli District presents a significant opportunity,” he noted, adding: “The region should also attract investments in pharmaceutical industries, steel manufacturing and more.”
Renowned Kenyan scholar and global public speaker, Prof Patrick Lumumba, lamented the slow pace of Africa’s development, pointing to Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam as countries that made remarkable strides through effective development strategies. Africa could do the same, he suggested.
The forum’s chief host, Mr Mchengerwa, underscored the need for visionary leadership down to the grassroots level. “This forum should serve as a blueprint for other regions to emulate,” he said.
The Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Paul Makonda, concluded by urging Tanzanians and international investors alike to seize the many opportunities available in the region, which he described as having one of the world’s best climate and investment conditions.
The Forum was organised by the RC’s Office.
