WATAF workshop on Promoting Health and Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Sustainability through Health Taxes in West Africa

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), comprising of the 15 member countries of ECOWAS, is committed to promoting collaboration among tax administrations in the region. In line with its mission to improve tax administration and revenue generation, WATAF recognizes the significance of health taxes, commonly known as “sin taxes,” as a powerful tool to achieve multiple objectives. To further this mission and address critical health and environmental issues, WATAF proposes to organize a workshop on Promoting Health and Domestic Revenue Mobilisation (DRM) Sustainability through Health Taxes in West Africa.

Health taxes, levied on harmful products such as alcohol, carbon dioxide emissions, sugary beverages, and tobacco, have gained prominence as an effective policy measure worldwide. These taxes aim to address public health concerns, reduce environmental impact, and provide a reliable revenue stream for governments. To explore the potential benefits of health taxes and devise effective strategies for their implementation, WATAF proposes a 3-day in-person workshop.

OBJECTIVES

The workshop aims to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Increase Awareness: Among West African tax administrators, policymakers, and stakeholders about the potential benefits and impact of health taxes on public health, the environment, and economic sustainability.
  2. Share Experiences: Best practices, and insights on the implementation of health taxes among member countries.
  3. Enhance Capacity: Of tax administrators and policymakers to design, implement, and monitor health tax policies that align with specific national, regional, and international objectives.
  4. Foster Collaboration: And partnerships among WATAF member countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO), ECOWAS, and other relevant development partners in tackling health-related challenges through tax policies.
  5. Develop Actionable Strategies: And identify innovative approaches and policy frameworks for health tax implementation, taking into account the unique socio-economic contexts of West African countries.

 

You can find all the information, including registration details and key topics to be discussed on the official event site.