• The government collected CFA501.6 billion in tax revenue in 2025, 22.76% above target.
• Officials credit reforms and digitalization for the CFA93.12 billion surplus.
• Early 2026 collections are also ahead of projections, as authorities push domestic resource mobilization.

Burkina Faso collected more tax revenue than expected in 2025, giving the government additional fiscal room at a time of security and humanitarian pressures.

According to a government statement released Monday, March 2, the country mobilized CFA501.6 billion ($894.3 million) in tax revenue last year, compared with an initial forecast of CFA408.48 billion. That represents an execution rate of 122.76% and a surplus of CFA93.12 billion — about $166 million more than projected.

Officials attributed the stronger performance to reforms carried out in recent years, including the digitalization of tax procedures and the modernization of information systems.

Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo praised the progress made by tax and customs authorities, highlighting both staff commitment and legislative and regulatory reforms. He also announced that proof of tax compliance will now be required for all appointments within the public administration, a move aimed at reinforcing accountability.

“Domestic resource mobilization remains essential to address security challenges, support the recovery of national territory and continue rebuilding the country,” he said.

Despite ongoing security and humanitarian challenges, the International Monetary Fund has described Burkina Faso’s economic growth as resilient. The IMF said policies focused on governance improvements and domestic revenue mobilization have created fiscal space, while helping contain inflation and keep public debt on a sustainable path.

Momentum appears to be continuing into 2026. For the first quarter of the year, authorities reported CFA42 billion in tax revenue, compared with a forecast of CFA30 billion — an execution rate close to 140%.

At the same time, the General Directorate of Customs has been assigned a revenue target of CFA1,367 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, a 9.9% increase over 2025.

According to IMF projections, tax revenue is expected to represent 17.5% of GDP this year.

Charlène N’dimon