ABUJA, NIGERIA – The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) and the ECOWAS Directorate of Taxation and Customs have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a common regional agenda for stronger tax administration, enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation, and sustainable economic development across West Africa.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a high-level strategic meeting held under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. The quarterly engagement brought together technical leadership from both organisations to review progress achieved during the past quarter, assess ongoing initiatives, and identify new opportunities for collaboration in support of regional economic integration.
The meeting, held Tuesday, July 7, highlighted the growing strategic importance of the WATAF–ECOWAS partnership at a time when Member States are seeking to modernise tax systems, strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, and build more resilient economies. By combining ECOWAS’ regional policy leadership with WATAF’s technical expertise in tax administration, both institutions continue to provide a coordinated platform for addressing shared fiscal challenges across the sub-region.
Presentations by both organisations showcased key achievements and ongoing initiatives, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences, align priorities, and explore practical mechanisms for jointly implementing programmes that strengthen tax administration and improve revenue performance across Member States.
A major outcome of the meeting was the renewed commitment to deepen institutional collaboration through coordinated initiatives, recognising that closer cooperation will improve efficiency, minimise duplication, and maximise the impact of regional interventions. Both organisations agreed that stronger collaboration is essential to supporting Member States in implementing effective tax policies, improving compliance, and strengthening domestic resource mobilisation.
The meeting also identified carbon taxation as an emerging strategic priority for West Africa. Against the backdrop of the global transition toward greener economies and sustainable financing, both institutions recognised carbon taxation as a potential instrument for broadening government revenue while supporting climate action and long-term fiscal resilience.
To promote evidence-based policymaking, WATAF and ECOWAS agreed to pursue a joint research initiative examining the opportunities, policy options, and implementation challenges associated with carbon taxation in West Africa. The findings are expected to provide Member States with practical guidance for designing carbon tax frameworks that promote environmental sustainability while safeguarding economic growth and competitiveness.
Speaking during the meeting, WATAF Executive Secretary, Mr. Jules Tapsoba, reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to supporting Member States in building stronger, more effective, and development-oriented tax administrations.
“Our partnership reflects a shared regional vision. ECOWAS provides the policy leadership, while WATAF delivers the technical expertise. Together, we can build stronger tax administrations that improve compliance, mobilise domestic resources, and support sustainable development across West Africa.”
Head of the ECOWAS Directorate of Taxation and Customs, Mr. Darlingston Y. Talery, underscored the importance of closer institutional coordination to maximise the impact of both organisations’ interventions across the region.
“WATAF and ECOWAS are working toward the same objective. By aligning our programmes and implementing initiatives together, we can avoid duplication, optimise resources, advance tax harmonisation, and deliver greater value to our Member States.”
The meeting concluded with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to expanding collaboration through joint research, technical cooperation, capacity-building programmes, policy dialogue, and regular strategic engagements.
The strengthened partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing tax policy harmonisation, enhancing the performance of tax administrations, increasing domestic revenue mobilisation, and supporting the broader ECOWAS vision of regional integration, economic resilience, and sustainable development across West Africa.
About WATAF
The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) is a regional body that brings together tax administrations across West Africa to strengthen domestic resource mobilization through cooperation, capacity development, and knowledge sharing. WATAF plays a leading role in shaping regional tax policy dialogue and supporting the modernization and harmonization of tax systems in line with regional and international standards.
