Côte d’Ivoire’s Directorate General of Taxation (DGI) has launched the first National Tax Citizenship Day in Abidjan.
This initiative, part of the Program to Improve Governance for the Delivery of Basic Services to Citizens (PAGDS), aims to enhance tax literacy and improve revenue collection.
The official launch took place at the Palais de la Culture in Treichville, Abidjan, with additional information booths set up in tax offices nationwide. Mr. Vassogbo Bamba, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Minister of Finance and Budget, stated that the initiative aligns with the DGI’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. DGI Director General Sie Abou Ouattara highlighted that the event is a sustained effort to raise awareness and educate citizens, particularly in a climate where public distrust of tax collection is prevalent.
“This initiative aims to create a space for dialogue, to popularize tax-related laws, to bring the tax administration closer to citizens, and to promote exemplary behavior,” explained Mr. Ouattara. The theme for this inaugural edition, “Tax Compliance and Development,” reflects a shared desire to position taxes as central to building a more united, equitable, and prosperous nation.
Ouattara emphasized that improving tax compliance is a collective challenge for all of Ivorian society. He urged for the construction of “a new tax culture based on transparency, accountability, and mutual trust.” He assured that the DGI is committed to strengthening user services, continuing the digitalization of procedures, and combating all forms of fraud and tax evasion.
The Director General noted that the public’s negative perception of taxes hinders revenue mobilization, despite the growing financial needs for the country’s development initiatives.
Vassogbo Bamba underscored that taxes are the primary resource enabling the State to fulfill its obligations. He highlighted the success of past reforms, which saw tax revenue surge from 974 billion CFA francs in 2011 to 4,250 billion in 2024—a nearly 500 percent increase in 13 years. “Thanks to these resources, the government has been able to finance numerous infrastructure projects in priority areas, such as health, education, water, security, and roads,” he stated.
Despite this growth, Côte d’Ivoire’s tax rate, at 13 percent, remains below the UEMOA community standard of 20 percent of GDP. Bamba urged tax authorities to integrate potential or actual taxpayers from the informal sector into the formal system.
Ms. Madeleine Yao, PAGDS coordinator, detailed several actions taken to support the DGI’s efforts to increase the tax base, including the implementation of electronic document management and a geographic information system. The PAGDS has also bolstered land registration, improved land governance in certain cities, facilitated the electronic census of plots for economic activity, and enabled the DGI to subscribe to raw material databases and conduct studies on optimizing tax revenues.
AP/Sf/fss/abj/APA