The Malian government has decided to increase tax on access to telecommunications network, open to the public (TARTOP) from 5 percent to 7 percent.
This tax, initially introduced in December 2012, is levied on the turnover of telecommunications companies operating in Mali.
According to estimates, this increase should generate an added value of $20.6 million for the national budget.
The government has introduced a special solidarity contribution, consisting of a specific levy on the consumption of telephone communication services and cash withdrawal operations via mobile money.
In concrete terms, for each top-up of 1,000 CFA francs, the consumer will receive 900 CFA francs of credit, i.e. a 10 percent deduction.
Concerning mobile money transactions, the customer will pay a withdrawal fee of 200 CFA francs for an amount of 10,000 CFA francs, compared to 100 CFA francs previously, which corresponds to an
increase of 1 percent for the operator and 1 percent for the state.
The third text adopted concerns the introduction of a special tax on the consumption of certain goods and services, in particular alcoholic beverages. The precise details of this tax, such as the rate applied or the methods of collection, have not yet been communicated by the government.
These measures are part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) Fiscal Transition Program, aimed at gradually transferring the tax burden from port duties to domestic taxation. The revenue generated by these new taxes will be allocated to financing basic infrastructure and social development projects, thus contributing to economic transformation and improving the living conditions of the Malian population.
The Mali Consumers Association (ASCOMA) has taken note of these decisions and calls for effective
management of funds collected from communication and cash withdrawal fees, in order to ensure optimal use for the benefit of the population.
Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, hosted a press briefing on Monday, February 10, 2025, along with the Minister of Economy and Finance, Alousseni Sanou to detail the three texts adopted during the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, relating to significant tax reforms.
MD/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA