(Ecofin Agency) - In the first half of 2024, Côte d'Ivoire granted $467 million in tax and customs exemptions, according to a government announcement made on September 18. This marks an increase from the $332 million spent on exemptions during the same period in 2023.

Most of these exemptions 63% of the total were for import duties, referred to as border taxes, accounting for more than $296 million. The remaining 37% around $171 million covered domestic taxes.

Industries that benefited most from these exemptions included manufacturing, services, public administration, and construction. According to the Ivorian government, these measures help attract public investments, support key sectors, and encourage private investments. In exceptional cases, like the COVID-19 pandemic or the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, they also helped reduce the cost of essential goods.

Côte d'Ivoire’s tax pressure rate is around 14%, below the 20% target set by the WAEMU. Since 2023, the country has worked with the IMF on reforms to streamline tax exemptions and public spending. These reforms also include cutting subsidies on essential goods.

Despite these efforts, exemptions have continued to rise. The 40.6% increase compared to the first half of 2023 shows their ongoing expansion. While the economic impact of the exemptions is still unclear, they represent more than 20% of the country's tax revenue. This comes amid Côte d'Ivoire’s strong economic growth.