By P. Vangerline Kpotoe
MONROVIA, June 9 (LINA) – The Executive Secretary of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), Mr. Jules Tapsoba, held high-level talks with the Côte d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Traore Kalilou aimed at strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, advancing regional tax harmonization.
According to a statement from WATAF dated May 26, 2026, the discussions which were held on Tuesday focused on strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, advancing regional tax harmonization, and shaping West Africa’s coordinated response to emerging global tax reforms.
The release noted that the meeting, hosted at the Ivorian Embassy in Abuja, also examined ways to deepen cooperation among tax administrations in the region, bolster fiscal sustainability across West Africa, and reinforce institutional partnerships to support development financing as donor support continues to decline.
During the engagement, Mr. Tapsoba outlined WATAF’s mandate, structure, and strategic role as a regional body representing 16 West African countries, including Mauritania.
He reiterated WATAF’s commitment to strengthening tax and customs administration through capacity building, technical assistance, policy dialogue, and knowledge sharing to improve domestic revenue mobilization across the region.
Beyond building technical capacity for revenue collection, he noted, WATAF continues to promote a coordinated regional approach to international tax issues, global tax reforms, and the protection of West Africa’s taxing rights in the evolving global fiscal landscape.
He further revealed that WATAF is expanding its involvement in international tax governance platforms and is working to secure broader representation for the region in global tax policy discussions at the United Nations.
The goal is to amplify the collective voice and interests of West African countries on international taxation matters.
Highlighting WATAF’s progress since its establishment in 2011, Mr. Tapsoba said the Forum has, over the past 15 years, played a key role in advancing tax harmonization, strengthening institutional capacity, combating tax evasion and illicit financial flows, and helping member countries address contemporary tax challenges, including the taxation of the digital economy.
The Executive Secretary commended Côte d’Ivoire for its consistent support and constructive engagement with WATAF, describing the country as one of the Forum’s most committed and exemplary members. He called for deeper collaboration between WATAF and Côte d’Ivoire to advance regional fiscal and economic integration.
As a gesture of appreciation and partnership, Mr. Tapsoba presented WATAF souvenirs and branded items to Ambassador Kalilou and thanked him for the warm reception accorded the delegation.
The WATAF Executive Secretary was accompanied by the Forum’s Manager for Administration, Mr. Francis Ezeji; Finance Manager, Ms. Azibator Deborah Obudah; and Manager for Communication and IT, Mr. Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh.
Ambassador Kalilou welcomed the delegation and described the visit as timely and important. He praised WATAF for the significant technical work it continues to carry out across the region.
He stressed that taxation is central to economic growth, fiscal stability, and national development, noting that effective tax systems are essential for sustainable governance and public sector financing in West Africa.
The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of regional tax harmonization, particularly in areas such as Value Added Tax (VAT), stating that harmonized fiscal frameworks are critical for regional trade, economic integration, and private sector growth.
Drawing on his experience within ECOWAS, Ambassador Kalilou suggested that WATAF could gain stronger institutional backing through increased engagement with Finance Ministers across member states.
Such a framework, he said, would deepen political understanding and institutional ownership, and further support WATAF’s mission to strengthen tax and customs administration in West Africa.
The visit forms part of WATAF’s ongoing strategic outreach to expand regional and international partnerships, reinforce institutional collaboration, and enhance the capacity of West African countries to mobilize domestic resources for sustainable development amid declining global donor support.
WATAF continues to strengthen collaboration with regional and international institutions including ECOWAS, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), the Open Society Foundations, and Afreximbank, all aimed at improving domestic revenue mobilization and fiscal governance across West Africa.