The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) inaugurated its Regional Steering Committee for the Tax Transition Programme from February 24 to 26, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin. The meeting gathered representatives from member states, tax policy experts, and ECOWAS Commission officials to advance Directive C/DIR.5/07/23, which establishes a regional framework for monitoring and evaluating tax transition efforts across the region.
In remarks delivered on behalf of Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Darlingston Talery, Acting Director of the Customs and Tax Union, said: “The establishment of this Committee represents a significant step towards better mobilization of national resources and deeper regional economic integration.” He highlighted the Steering Committee as an important mechanism for strengthening cooperation and harmonizing tax systems among member states.
Mr. Salisu Amara delivered a message on behalf of Sierra Leone’s government and President Julius Maada Bio, who also serves as Chairman of ECOWAS. He stated: “He highlighted the importance of the meeting as a platform for monitoring and evaluating national tax transition efforts and encouraged Member States that have not yet established their National Tax Transition Steering Committees to do so.” He also informed participants that Sierra Leone had recently set up its own National Tax Transition Committee.
Mr. Alban Bessan Bienvenu, Secretary General of Benin’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, welcomed delegates to Cotonou and thanked ECOWAS for choosing Benin as host. He said: “The creation of the Steering Committee reflected the shared commitment of Member States to strengthen fiscal governance, promote sustainable domestic resource mobilisation, and support regional integration.” He further noted that efficient tax systems are crucial for financing development and improving economic resilience in West Africa.
During the event, ECOWAS officials visited Mr. Benito Sherif GBOSSANE, Deputy Director General of Tax Administration in Benin. Discussions centered on implementing ECOWAS fiscal directives at national levels and reinforcing collaboration between regional bodies and local authorities.
The new Steering Committee is tasked with coordinating stakeholders involved in fiscal reforms, reviewing program reports, providing technical support to member states, validating national fiscal transition plans, and ensuring effective implementation across countries.
This initiative aligns with broader goals outlined by ECOWAS to foster cooperation through harmonized policies in trade, infrastructure development, agriculture, social sectors—and now taxation—aimed at raising living standards throughout West Africa (official website). The organization works through mechanisms such as common external tariffs to align legal frameworks among its members (official website).
ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting members in carrying out these tax reforms while promoting sustainable revenue generation practices across the region.