The government of Cabo Verde has introduced a new tool, the Sistema de Informação Municipal (Simpol), to support the organization and efficient management of local finances in the country's 22 municipalities. The launch was announced by Florbela Ribeiro, Director-General of Decentralization, at a two-day event presenting the tool. Ribeiro described the event as "very positive" and stated that it achieved its main objective of providing municipal professionals with essential tools to manage local finances more efficiently.
The Simpol tool is expected to play a crucial role in supporting municipalities in the preparation and collection of the new Property Tax Code, set to be implemented in 2027. According to Ribeiro, the Ministry of State Reform, Local Government, and Decentralization aims to modernize municipal systems and significantly improve revenue collection efficiency through Simpol. The event highlighted significant disparities in revenue collection among different municipalities, with Praia, São Vicente, Boa Vista, and Sal recording the highest collections.
Ribeiro attributed the disparities in revenue collection to structural and socioeconomic factors, despite the same laws and tools being applied across the country. She noted that municipalities with higher collections tend to have a greater concentration of housing and tourist activity. The Director-General emphasized that the results also depend on the dynamics and "conscience of each municipality." The workshop identified strategies to address the disparities, including creating structured conditions to disseminate information and raise awareness among populations.
The main focus of these strategies is to educate citizens that paying taxes is not only a legal obligation but also a duty to contribute to the development of their communities. Ribeiro and other officials hope that municipalities with lower revenue collections can reverse this trend by implementing these strategies. The introduction of Simpol is seen as a key step towards improving local tax collection and promoting sustainable development in Cabo Verde.
The disparities in revenue collection among municipalities were highlighted during the event, with some municipalities recording significantly lower collections. São Salvador do Mundo, São Lourenço dos Órgãos, Brava, and Santa Catarina do Fogo were cited as examples of municipalities with lower revenue collections. Ribeiro emphasized that addressing these disparities requires a concerted effort from municipal authorities and citizens.
The launch of Simpol is part of a broader effort to strengthen local governance and promote economic development in Cabo Verde. The government aims to improve the efficiency and transparency of local tax collection, which is essential for providing public services and infrastructure. By introducing Simpol, the government hopes to create a more favorable business environment and promote sustainable development.
The implementation of Simpol is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of citizens in Cabo Verde, enabling municipalities to provide better public services and infrastructure. The government has encouraged citizens to participate in the tax collection process and to view tax payment as a civic duty. By working together, citizens and municipal authorities can promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Key points
- The introduction of Simpol aims to improve local tax collection efficiency in Cabo Verde's 22 municipalities.
- The tool is expected to support municipalities in preparing and collecting the new Property Tax Code.
- The launch of Simpol is part of a broader effort to strengthen local governance and promote economic development in Cabo Verde.
