Dar es Salaam. The former Chairman of the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), Paul Makanza, has emphasized that the fight against illicit alcohol in Tanzania is a crucial effort to protect citizens’ lives, safeguard government revenue, and foster a fair business environment.
Makanza, a seasoned Corporate Affairs Director, has called for immediate action from the government and other stakeholders to address this pressing issue.
He made these remarks during a CTI-organized Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on tackling the challenges of illicit alcohol in Tanzania.
The discussion brought together key industry players, policymakers, and regulatory authorities, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, Fair Competition Commission (FCC), and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).
Makanza pointed out that illicit alcohol not only poses serious public health risks but also fuels social problems and weakens the formal sector, which significantly contributes to the economy.
“We need to strengthen the enforcement of laws and policies while increasing public awareness to ensure a responsible and sustainable alcohol industry that positively contributes to Tanzania’s development,” Makanza stated.
Reports, including the Organized Crime Index 2023 for Tanzania, have indicated that counterfeit goods, including illicit alcoholic beverages, are flooding the market, undermining economic growth by evading tax obligations.
READ MORE: Tanzania’s Silent Crisis: The Cost of Illicit Alcohol on Lives and Revenue
Other studies, such as a 2018 report by the auditing firm Ernst & Young, also revealed that the illicit alcohol trade caused the government to lose a significant amount of tax revenue.
The Managing Director of Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL), Obinna Anyalebechi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting efforts against illicit alcohol to mitigate its negative impact on the country.
“We believe that true success in this sector is measured not only by financial performance but also by our ability to contribute to the sustainable development of our society,” Anyalebechi said. “Illicit alcohol is a serious issue that affects everyone, and addressing this challenge requires collective action.”
During the discussions, all stakeholders, led by CTI, jointly urged the government and industry players to intensify efforts against illicit alcohol through strict law enforcement, increased public awareness, and enhanced policy implementation.
