Tanzania, June 19 -- Dar es Salaam. At first glance, the government's decision to raise taxes on beauty products and impose a new levy on UV nail-curing machines may appear to be little more than a revenue-raising measure in a tight fiscal environment.

Yet evidence from tax justice and public health experts suggests the government's rationale extends beyond collecting an additional Sh2.47 billion.

The measures reflect a growing policy trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly using taxation not only to mobilise domestic resources, but also to discourage products linked to potential health risks and rising healthcare costs.

The approach aligns with one of the central themes emerging from discussions among tax justice exper...