West African tax authorities meet in Lomé for governance talks

Public finance

Thursday, 23 April 2026 06:02

West African tax authorities meet in Lomé for governance talks

(Togo First) - West African tax administrations have gathered in Lomé since Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to discuss tax system governance. The meeting is jointly organized by the International Monetary Fund’s Regional Technical Assistance Center for West Africa (AFRITAC West) and the UEMOA Commission.

In the Togolese capital, heads of tax administrations from AFRITAC West member countries are examining obstacles to the effectiveness of fiscal systems in the sub-region. The meeting will run for four days. Discussions are expected to define governance strategies to improve administrative performance and strengthen the credibility of tax authorities.

Participants will also share best practices and practical experiences across countries, with a focus on strengthening integrity and transparency in fiscal management. They will address persistent challenges highlighted by Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) evaluations, including low revenue mobilization and inflexible public spending.

The meeting also aims to advance regional harmonization of tax practices. It will support ongoing efforts to develop a regional best-practices guide and consider the creation of a regional observatory for fiscal performance.

Organizers say the workshop is intended as a practical step toward building more efficient and transparent tax administrations, better equipped to support national priorities.

Esaïe Edoh

REFORMS OVERVIEW

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Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

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