Tanzania to launch receipt lottery soon under tax reforms
Tanzania is set to introduce the Tuzo ya Uzalendo (Patriotism Award) receipt lottery through its Electronic Fiscal Device Management System (EFDMS), which is scheduled to launch this month, as part of wider efforts to strengthen tax compliance and modernise the country’s digital tax administration.
The initiative, known as Tuzo ya Uzalendo (Patriotism Award), was announced by Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar during the presentation of the 2026/27 National Budget. According to Paragraph 52 of the government’s Budget Speech, the programme will reward taxpayers through lottery draws, with winners selected from those who issue and request official receipts. The EFDMS is scheduled to launch in July, although the government has yet to announce the exact launch date.
On 23 June, Tanzania’s Parliament approved the TZS62.33 trillion (US$24 billion) national budget for the 2026/27 financial year by 385 votes to eight, clearing the way for the implementation of the government’s planned revenue reforms, including the introduction of Tuzo ya Uzalendo.
The Budget Speech states: “These awards will be won competitively through lottery, where various prizes will be awarded through lottery draws to determine the winners who issued and demanded receipts.”
Incentive aims to increase use of official receipts
The receipt lottery has been designed to encourage businesses and consumers to issue and request official EFD receipts whenever goods or services are bought and sold. Unlike a conventional lottery, the programme does not involve ticket purchases. Instead, participation will be linked to the use of official fiscal receipts during commercial transactions.
According to the government, the initiative is intended to increase the use of official receipts, support voluntary tax compliance and strengthen Tanzania’s digital tax administration. By encouraging taxpayers to request receipts, authorities aim to improve the reporting of commercial transactions and reduce opportunities for tax evasion.
While the government has confirmed that winners will be selected through lottery draws, several operational details remain outstanding. Prize values, draw frequency, eligibility criteria, entry requirements and the official launch date have yet to be announced.
Part of Tanzania’s wider digital tax reforms
The receipt lottery forms part of the government’s broader digital tax modernisation agenda outlined in the 2026/27 Budget. Alongside Tuzo ya Uzalendo, Tanzania plans to expand the use of Electronic Fiscal Devices, introduce the Jamii Namba national digital identity system, strengthen digital tax administration and promote greater use of electronic payments across the economy. The Budget also expands digital payment requirements for selected transactions and sectors as part of wider tax administration reforms.
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has for several years promoted the use of official receipts through its Electronic Fiscal Devices awareness campaign, encouraging taxpayers with the message: “Whenever you sell, issue receipt. Whenever you buy, demand receipt.”
Electronic Fiscal Devices automatically generate fiscal receipts and transmit transaction data electronically to the TRA. According to the authority, the system helps improve VAT compliance, strengthen transaction reporting and reduce opportunities for tax evasion while supporting more efficient tax administration.
The introduction of Tuzo ya Uzalendo adds a financial incentive to the existing compliance framework by encouraging greater public participation in requesting and issuing official receipts.
Receipt lottery follows an established model
Receipt lottery programmes have been introduced in several jurisdictions to improve tax compliance by encouraging consumers to request official receipts.
Taiwan operates one of the best-known examples, where receipt lotteries have helped increase receipt issuance while improving tax collection. Tanzania is adopting a similar incentive-based approach by using lottery draws to encourage the use of official fiscal receipts rather than traditional lottery ticket sales.
Wider regulatory developments
The receipt lottery is being introduced as Tanzania continues to strengthen oversight across regulated sectors. Earlier last month, the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) to strengthen cooperation in regulating gaming activities across the country.
The agreement focuses on public awareness of gaming regulations and responsible gaming practices, information sharing between national and local government authorities, capacity building to improve regulatory oversight, and joint compliance monitoring to strengthen enforcement of gaming laws. The two organisations said the partnership is intended to improve governance, accountability and public service delivery while supporting a transparent and effective regulatory framework for Tanzania’s gaming industry.
Although the GBT partnership relates to gaming regulation and the Tuzo ya Uzalendo initiative forms part of the country’s tax administration reforms, both developments come as Tanzania continues to expand the use of digital systems and strengthen regulatory oversight across different areas of public administration.
Cape Town calls. From 15–17 February 2027, SiGMA Africa unites regulators, operators, affiliates and investors for two days of networking, innovation and industry-defining conversations. Join the people shaping Africa’s gaming future.
