When Tanzanians went to the polls on October 29, the immediate aftermath was marked by unrest that brought normal economic activity in parts of the country to a near standstill.

Businesses shut their doors, transport slowed and many citizens remained indoors for almost a week amid uncertainty and security concerns.

For economists and policymakers, the expectation was straightforward: tax collections would fall, undermining the implementation of both recurrent and development spending outlined in the Sh56.5 trillion Budget approved by Parliament in June 2025.