The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) and the ECOWAS Directorate of Taxation and Customs have agreed to strengthen cooperation aimed at improving tax administration, increasing domestic revenue mobilization, and supporting sustainable economic growth across West Africa.
The commitment was reached during a strategic quarterly meeting held on July 7, 2026, under the institutions’ existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Senior officials reviewed progress made over the past quarter, assessed ongoing initiatives, and identified new areas for collaboration to advance regional economic integration.
The meeting highlighted the growing importance of the WATAF–ECOWAS partnership as governments across West Africa seek to modernize tax systems, expand domestic revenue, and build more resilient economies.
Officials said combining ECOWAS’ policy leadership with WATAF’s technical expertise provides a stronger regional platform to address common fiscal challenges while promoting greater tax harmonization among Member States.
Both organizations presented updates on their flagship programs and exchanged lessons learned, with discussions centered on aligning priorities and improving implementation of joint initiatives designed to strengthen tax compliance and revenue collection.
A major outcome of the meeting was a renewed commitment to improve coordination, eliminate duplication of efforts, and maximize the impact of regional tax programs. Participants emphasized that closer collaboration will better support Member States in implementing effective tax policies and strengthening domestic resource mobilization.
The meeting also identified carbon taxation as an emerging priority for the region. As countries respond to global efforts to address climate change, WATAF and ECOWAS said carbon taxes could serve as an important policy tool for generating additional government revenue while encouraging environmentally sustainable economic development.
To support future policymaking, the two institutions agreed to undertake a joint research project on carbon taxation in West Africa. The study will assess policy options, implementation challenges, and opportunities, with the goal of providing Member States with practical recommendations for developing carbon tax systems that balance environmental protection with economic growth.
WATAF Executive Secretary Jules Tapsoba said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening public finance across the region.
“ECOWAS leads on policy, while WATAF provides technical support. Together, we can build tax systems that improve compliance, mobilize domestic resources, and drive sustainable development in West Africa,” Tapsoba said.
Head of the ECOWAS Directorate of Taxation and Customs, Darlingston Y. Talery, said stronger coordination between the two institutions will help maximize available resources and improve regional cooperation.
“WATAF and ECOWAS have the same goal. By aligning our work, we can maximize resources, advance tax harmonization, and deliver better results for our Member States,” Talery said.
The meeting concluded with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation through joint research, technical assistance, capacity building, policy dialogue, and regular institutional engagements.
The enhanced partnership is expected to strengthen tax policy harmonization across the ECOWAS region, improve the performance of national tax administrations, increase domestic revenue generation, and support the bloc’s broader objectives of regional integration and long-term economic resilience.
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