The ECOWAS Commission, in partnership with the World Bank, has started a four-day regional workshop in Dakar, Senegal, aimed at building the capacity of francophone and lusophone member states to better evaluate and manage tax expenditures. The event runs from July 28 to July 31, 2025.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Issa Faye, representing Senegal’s Minister of Finance, welcomed delegates on behalf of the government and people of Senegal. He stressed the country’s dedication to fiscal transparency and effective management of public resources. “Tax exemptions, if well-targeted, can be tools for growth and poverty reduction. However, their real impact must be rigorously measured,” he said. Faye also noted that hosting this event demonstrates Senegal’s support for regional cooperation on fiscal matters.
Mr. Rajiv Kumar from the World Bank acknowledged progress by several ECOWAS member states and called for more transparency and systematic reporting. “World Bank is pleased to partner with ECOWAS to deliver this important workshop that aims to strengthen the capacity of member states to manage the fiscal and economic impact of tax expenditures,” Kumar stated.
ECOWAS Resident Representative to Senegal, H.E. Ambassador Zelma Yollande Nobre Fassinou, highlighted the significance of the workshop and thanked Senegal for supporting regional integration efforts. She said: “Tax expenditures,when not properly evaluated, can undermine domestic resource mobilization and limit the capacity of our governments to finance vital programs.” Ambassador Fassinou added that timely submission of tax expenditure reports by member states is key for transparency and accountability in line with the 2023 ECOWAS Directive on Tax Expenditures.
Ambassador Fassinou also pointed out that the workshop will foster open dialogue among participants as they present national frameworks and share best practices. “This workshop provides an ideal platform to deepen our shared understanding, align our methodologies, and enhance regional cooperation in managing fiscal incentives,” she said.
The program includes technical sessions, practical exercises, and presentations by country representatives focused on improving governance around tax incentives. Attendees include officials from finance ministries, tax administrations, as well as regional and international partners.
According to organizers, this workshop underscores ECOWAS’ ongoing commitment to strengthening national capacities in line with its goals for greater regional integration.