UDSM Alumni Excel at TRA Innovation Awards, Winning Millions for Transformative Tax Ideas
By Ally Mambele, CMU
Alumni of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) have once again affirmed the institution’s reputation for producing solution-driven professionals, emerging among the top winners in the prestigious Innovation Awards organized by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) on 25th February 2026.
The national competition, designed to generate bold and practical ideas to expand the tax base and enhance revenue collection efficiency, attracted impressive 5,681 submissions from TRA staff and members of the public.
After a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, only 106 ideas advanced to detailed assessment, culminating in just nine innovations being approved and awarded as outstanding.
Among the shining winners were UDSM alumni Malehe William Masubi, a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance graduate (2020–2023), and Emma Colman Sambaya, a Master of Arts in Revenue Law and Administration (MARLA) candidate (2022–2025). Each received TSh 30 million after their ideas scored between 70 and 90 percent.
Two other UDSM representatives also secured top recognition: Ajra Noordin Ismail, a MARLA finalist, and Ng’wang’wa Kisula Loyani, a MARLA graduate (2024), who each won TSh 20 million for innovations scoring between 50 and 70 percent.
Their success underscores the growing impact of UDSM-trained experts in shaping national systems through research-based and technology-enabled solutions.
Officiating the awards ceremony, the Minister for Finance, Hon. Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, commended TRA for institutionalizing the awards, describing the initiative as a strategic step toward strengthening collaboration between citizens and the tax authority.
“I congratulate all participants, including those whose ideas did not win, because they have demonstrated commitment and acknowledged their responsibility in tax collection. This initiative brings taxpayers closer to the Authority and will help increase voluntary tax compliance”, he said.
The Minister emphasized that tax collection is a shared national responsibility and encouraged more Tanzanians to submit ideas when the next window opens.
The Chairman of the TRA Board of Directors, Mr. Uledi Mussa Abasi, noted that the awards were introduced specifically to broaden the tax base and build stronger public engagement. He expressed satisfaction with the transparency and rigor of the selection process.
Meanwhile, TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda announced that the Innovation Awards will become an annual initiative. For the 2025/2026 financial year, submissions will open on April 1 and close on June 30, 2026.
“It is the expectation of taxpayers that as the tax base expands, tax rates will decrease. We share the same expectation. Through innovative ideas, we will continue improving services and strengthening revenue systems”, he said.
Reinforcing UDSM’s national leadership
Commenting on the achievement, UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research, Professor Nelson Boniface, who was also present at the event, said the recognition reflects the University’s enduring commitment to research excellence and innovation-driven training.
He further commended the innovative initiative of the TRA Headquarters management for embracing and nurturing Tanzanian talent, noting that such visionary leadership strengthens national capacity and promotes trust in homegrown expertise.
“These results demonstrate the power of a strong research ecosystem. At UDSM, we equip our students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the analytical and problem-solving skills required to address real national challenges,” said Prof. Boniface.
He added: “We are proud to see our alumni contributing practical solutions that strengthen key national institutions. This approach should be emulated by other institutions in the country, as it sets a commendable standard for advancing innovation and self-reliance at the national level.”
While the overall winner of the competition received TSh 50 million, UDSM alumni stood prominently among the top-tier awardees, an achievement that reinforces the University’s standing as a leading centre of excellence in research, innovation, and professional training.
Their success demonstrates how UDSM continues to produce graduates who not only excel academically but also translate knowledge into impactful solutions aligned with national development priorities.
UDSM Alumni: from lecture halls to national impact
For the UDSM alumni, the recognition represents more than prize money, it reflects the strength of their academic preparation.
Mr. Malehe William Masubi attributed his success to the analytical and technological foundation he gained during his studies, particularly exposure to advanced data analysis tools such as Python and concepts in Artificial Intelligence.
“The training I received enabled me to identify operational gaps and design a practical, data-driven solution that addresses real challenges within tax administration,” he noted.
Currently serving at TRA, Masubi said his academic grounding allowed him to bridge theory and practice effectively.
Similarly, Ms. Emma Colman Sambaya emphasized the value of rigorous research training under the MARLA programme.
“UDSM equipped me with a deep understanding of tax law and administration, enabling me to analyze systemic challenges and develop innovative, legally grounded solutions to expand the tax base,” she said.
Ms. Ajra Ismail and Mr. Ng’wang’wa Loyani echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the programme’s integration of legal knowledge, policy analysis, research competence, and digital transformation perspectives in revenue administration.
As TRA moves forward with institutionalizing innovation within tax administration, the presence of UDSM alumni at the forefront signals a powerful truth: Tanzania’s future systems are being shaped by homegrown talent – trained, tested, and inspired at the University of Dar es Salaam.