DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 27 -- FOR sure, there is no developed country anywhere in the world that was built without taxes. No strong health system, functioning education system, or reliable security service can exist without the contribution of the people through taxes.

And this includes all citizens, not only those in formal employment or large businesses, but also small-scale traders, youth in informal economic activities, online sellers, and those in the gig economy. We must realise that the government is not in the business of buying and selling goods. Its primary role is to provide services: education, healthcare, security, justice, and infrastructure.

For this to happen, the government needs revenue. That revenue comes from taxes. Too ...