WATAF pushes digital VAT reforms across West Africa

The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) has urged countries in the region to fast-track the adoption of digital systems for administering Value Added Tax (VAT).

The Sub-Regional body noted that outdated processes were weakening revenue collection and slowing economic progress.

This position was made known at a regional meeting held on April 21, 2026, in Abidjan, where tax officials, government representatives and development partners gathered to examine how VAT systems can be improved. The forum was convened by the African Development Bank.

During discussions at the event, the Executive Secretary of WATAF, Jules Tapsoba, said the use of digital technology in tax administration is no longer optional if countries want to improve compliance and reduce revenue losses. He explained that relying on manual or outdated systems makes it easier for leakages to occur and limits the ability of authorities to properly track transactions.

According to him, “Digital tools remain the most effective way to strengthen VAT systems in the region. Without adopting them fully, issues such as leakages, inefficiencies and low compliance will continue.”

Although VAT is a major source of government income across West Africa, Mr. Tapsoba said its performance is still below expectations due to a number of long-standing challenges. He pointed to the dominance of informal economic activities, weak compliance habits among taxpayers, gaps in digital infrastructure and poor coordination between customs services and internal revenue agencies.

He added that these weaknesses often result in lost revenue, slow processing of VAT refunds and pressure on businesses that depend on timely reimbursements to maintain cash flow.

Mr. Tapsoba acknowledged that some countries have begun to introduce reforms driven by technology, including online registration platforms, electronic invoicing systems and automated tax filing processes. However, he said progress across the region remains uneven and called for a more coordinated approach so that countries can move forward together.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Chief Governance Officer of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Eline Okudzeto, said experiences from East Africa show that while digital reforms can improve tax systems, they must be supported by stronger cooperation and better integration across agencies and countries. She noted that the bank will continue to assist countries through technical support and policy dialogue.

Other contributors, including Emeka Nwankwo of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), Abou Ouattara Sié, and Darlingston Yahkor Talery of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), spoke on the need to strengthen VAT systems as a key source of domestic revenue while addressing existing operational gaps.

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Mr. Tapsoba also called on member countries to implement the regional VAT harmonisation framework approved by ECOWAS in July 2023, noting that the January 2027 deadline provides a clear timeline for aligning national systems. He said combining harmonised rules with modern digital tools would make it easier to support trade, ensure fair competition and deepen economic ties within the region.

He further suggested measures such as improving the speed and transparency of VAT refund processes, tightening audit and verification procedures to check abuse, enhancing customs valuation methods and promoting collaboration between customs and tax authorities through joint operations.

In addition, he stressed the importance of building reliable data systems and strengthening the skills of tax officials, while also encouraging greater public understanding of tax obligations.

WATAF said it will continue to work with member countries by providing technical support, training and platforms for sharing knowledge, as governments shift from heavy reliance on border taxes to stronger domestic revenue systems. 

The forum urged both governments and development partners to focus on implementation, noting that timely action will be important for achieving the region’s fiscal reform objectives.