As the Tanzanian business landscape becomes increasingly competitive, more companies are investing in accounting software in Tanzania to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and simplify financial management. From small startups to large corporations, choosing the right platform involves weighing both features and costs. Here’s a look at some of the most popular options and their pricing.

QuickBooks – Online and Desktop

QuickBooks is one of the best-known names in accounting software in Tanzania, available in both online and desktop versions.

QuickBooks Online is offered through local resellers such as Site Weavers. Pricing starts at TZS 60,000/month for the Simple Start plan (1 user), TZS 80,000/month for Essentials (up to 3 users), and TZS 99,000/month for Plus (up to 5 users).

QuickBooks Desktop is a one-time purchase option, with the Pro 2020 licence (single user) at around TZS 330,000 and the Accountant 2020 version at TZS 450,000. Enterprise editions, available through online marketplaces, can range from TZS 250,000 to 800,000 depending on the package.

QuickBooks suits businesses that need flexibility, whether they prefer a subscription model or a one-time payment. However, online subscriptions may become costly in the long run.

Sage Business Cloud Accounting

Sage offers a cloud-based solution tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises. While local pricing for accounting software in Tanzania is not officially listed, regional African rates suggest competitive costs.

The Accounting Start plan is around USD 12/month, while the Standard plan, supporting multiple users, costs about USD 22/month. Bundled annual plans that include payroll are roughly USD 250/year.

Sage is particularly appealing for businesses needing strong VAT compliance and payroll integration tools. A 30-day free trial is available, making it easier for businesses to test the system. However, it may lack the same depth of local payment integrations found in QuickBooks.

ProfitBooks

ProfitBooks is one of the most affordable accounting software in Tanzania, especially for small businesses. It offers a free plan with basic features, a standard plan at USD 15/month, and an advanced plan for about USD 20/month.

With features like inventory management and multi-currency support, ProfitBooks is ideal for budget-conscious SMEs. The only drawback is its relatively small user base locally, which can mean limited access to Tanzanian-specific support.

Odoo ERP (with Accounting Module)

Odoo is a modular ERP system that includes an accounting module. Pricing is based on a flat per-user fee, plus any setup or customisation costs. While Odoo can be cost-effective for some, its total cost may rise depending on the complexity of the implementation.

This platform’s key advantage is flexibility—it allows businesses to integrate accounting with sales, HR, inventory, and more. However, this flexibility often requires more technical expertise or a partner for implementation.

Final Thoughts

Choosing accounting software in Tanzania depends on budget, business size, and operational needs. For startups and small enterprises, ProfitBooks and QuickBooks Simple Start are affordable and easy to use. Mid-sized businesses needing payroll and VAT compliance might benefit from Sage, while larger companies seeking an all-in-one system could find Odoo ideal.

Ultimately, the right choice is the one that fits your current needs while supporting your growth in Tanzania’s evolving business environment.

Comparing Prices of Popular Accounting Software in Tanzania