Cote d'Ivoire: 2025 Tax Appendix - Key Directions to Strengthen the Ivorian Economy

Over the years, Côte d’Ivoire has implemented economic reforms aimed at promoting inclusive and equitable growth, focusing on the structural transformation of its economy.

To support these reforms, which require substantial financial resources, the Government secured an economic and financial program with development partners in May 2023. This program seeks to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio by 0.5% annually, primarily through enhanced tax revenue collection.

In March 2024, Côte d’Ivoire also signed the Resilience and Sustainability Facility with the IMF to implement an ambitious reform program aimed at adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change on the national economy.

To achieve these objectives, the Medium-Term Revenue Mobilization Strategy for 2024–2028 was adopted. This strategy focuses on maximizing tax and customs revenue collection. Many fiscal measures proposed in the 2025 Tax Appendix to the State Budget align with this framework.

Additionally, the Government proposes measures within its social policy framework to preserve the purchasing power of low-income households. Technical adjustments to improve the clarity and application of legal provisions are also included.

The 2025 Tax Appendix is structured around the following key areas:

Strengthening State Resources

Measures to expand the tax base and combat international tax evasion and fraud include:

• Extending the tax base for advertising tax
• Introducing a withholding tax on capital gains from the sale of shares or equity
• Suspending duties and taxes under exemption regimes outlined in specific agreements between the State and companies for developmental projects

Supporting Businesses

Measures to enhance competitiveness include:

• Revising provisions in the General Tax Code related to withholding taxes on corporate income tax and Value Added Tax (VAT)

Streamlining and Simplifying the Tax Framework

Examples include:

• Adjusting provisions on the mandatory issuance of standardized electronic invoices
• Revising rules related to taxpayer registration and tax collection for foreign companies

Technical Adjustments

These include:

• Modifying VAT liability rules for telecommunications companies
• Revising stamp duty rules in the General Tax Code
   

The 2025 Tax Appendix was reviewed by the Economic and Financial Affairs Commission of the Ivorian National Assembly on 18 November 2024 and was unanimously adopted on 28 November 2024. It is expected to be published in the Official Gazette in late December 2024, taking effect in early January 2025.

If you wish to discuss these topics, please contact:

FACE Africa Tax & Legal