The World Bank has advised Gabon to accelerate the digital transformation of its tax administration to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization and mitigate tax loss risks. According to the World Bank's 2026 Public Finance Review of Gabon, obtained by the Gabon Press Agency, interconnecting the Digitax digital platform with other information systems of the Ministry of Economy is crucial. This measure aims to enhance data sharing and reliability, ultimately improving taxpayer tracking and revenue collection.
The World Bank noted that the new Land Contribution Unique (CFU-BDD) software operates in isolation, limiting data sharing and reliability. This lack of interoperability may lead to errors and inconsistencies in available information, compromising revenue collection. A fully integrated system would enable reliable data and efficient taxpayer monitoring. The World Bank's recommendations focus on modernizing Gabon's tax administration to secure public revenue and enhance domestic resource mobilization.
The World Bank suggested that Gabon's General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) strengthen data sharing with third-party institutions, such as banks and the Gabon Energy and Water Company (SEEG). This cross-referencing of tax and third-party data will help identify non-compliant taxpayers and combat tax evasion and fraud. By leveraging these partnerships, Gabon can improve tax compliance and increase revenue.
The World Bank also recommended expanding Digitax to small enterprises and developing online declaration services to reduce administrative inefficiencies and facilitate taxpayer compliance. Furthermore, the institution advised establishing a permanent interface between the DGI and the General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Duties (DGDDI) and automating tax controls based on risk analysis.
According to the World Bank, digital modernization is a vital lever for sustainably improving tax administration performance, securing public revenue, and enhancing domestic resource mobilization. The institution's recommendations aim to support Gabon's efforts to strengthen its tax administration and improve revenue collection.
The World Bank's 2026 Public Finance Review of Gabon highlights the need for comprehensive reforms to enhance domestic revenue mobilization. The report emphasizes that a modernized tax administration will enable Gabon to reduce tax losses and improve taxpayer compliance. By implementing these recommendations, Gabon can strengthen its tax system and increase revenue.
The Gabon Press Agency obtained the World Bank's report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of Gabon's public finances. The report's recommendations will likely inform Gabon's policy decisions and support the country's efforts to improve its tax administration and revenue collection. The World Bank's advice aligns with Gabon's goals to enhance domestic revenue mobilization and secure public revenue.
Key points
- World Bank recommends digital transformation of Gabon's tax administration to boost revenue collection and reduce tax losses.
- Interconnecting Digitax with other information systems and strengthening data sharing with third-party institutions are crucial measures.
- Digital modernization is a vital lever for improving tax administration performance and securing public revenue.
