At the 19th Africa Initiative Summit held in Cotonou from June 30 to July 2, 2026, the Direction Générale des Impôts du Mali (DGI) represented the Malian government in a series of high‑level sessions on regional tax cooperation. The DGI delegation presented recent reforms, including the implementation of electronic filing systems and the introduction of a unified digital proof‑of‑origin platform, and highlighted Mali’s commitment to harmonising tax procedures across West Africa. Discussions focused on sharing best practices, strengthening cross‑border tax administration, and exploring joint capacity‑building initiatives. Key outcomes of the summit included the signing of a memorandum of understanding to facilitate data exchange between tax authorities, the establishment of a working group on digital tax administration, and the agreement to organise a follow‑up workshop in Bamako later in 2026. The DGI also took the opportunity to announce a new pilot project that will test interoperable electronic payment solutions for cross‑border trade, aiming to reduce transaction delays and improve revenue collection. Stakeholders were encouraged to engage with the DGI’s digital platforms to access updated tax guidance and to participate in upcoming consultations on regional tax policy.
Key Takeaways
- Regional Collaboration: Reinforces cooperation among West African tax administrations.
- Data Exchange: Introduces a memorandum of understanding for shared information.
- Pilot Project: Tests interoperable electronic payments for cross‑border trade.
Source: Read Original Announcement