Five East African countries collected more than US$43 billion in taxes during the 2025 financial year, highlighting the growing importance of domestic revenue in financing public services and development programmes across the region.
The combined figure covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. Kenya and Tanzania accounted for the largest share, jointly collecting about US$31.8 billion.
Kenya led the group with US$19.9 billion in revenue during the financial year that ended in June 2026. Domestic taxes provided the largest contribution, supported by customs duties, cross-border trade and levies collected through the Port of Mombasa.
Kenya’s position also reflects the size and diversity of its economy, with manufacturing, tourism, trade and port operations generating substantial government revenue.
Tanzania collected nearly US$11.9 billion during the 2024/25 financial year, placing it second among the five countries.
The figures show that governments in the region are strengthening their ability to finance infrastructure, education, healthcare and other development priorities using locally generated revenue.
However, the total should not be interpreted as revenue collected by the entire East African Community. Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia are not included in the figures.
