Ivory Coast has unveiled a new electronic invoicing system aimed at curbing tax evasion and increasing state revenue. Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé officially launched the Standardized Electronic Invoice (FNE) on Monday, July 21, 2025, as part of the government’s broader 2024–2028 fiscal reform strategy.

The FNE becomes mandatory starting September 1, with implementation tailored to taxpayers based on their fiscal classification. The reform seeks to boost transparency, lower administrative burdens, facilitate VAT declarations, and enhance business competitiveness.

“The FNE strengthens the ecosystem of tools to fight loss of public revenue while providing a firm response to fraudulent behaviors,” said Prime Minister Mambé, according to an official government release.

He warned that when citizens perceive the tax system as unjust—where some evade payment while others comply fully—it weakens the state's capacity to deliver public services. To address this imbalance, he called for full digitalization of tax processes to ensure fairness and efficiency across the board.

The FNE system represents a cornerstone in the 2024–2028 national strategy, which targets an increase in tax and customs revenues, a broader tax base, and improved debt control. Other measures in the pipeline include reforming corporate taxation, closing the VAT compliance gap, and boosting property tax collection.

Despite these ongoing efforts, Ivory Coast’s tax pressure remains modest. In 2025, it stands at 15.1% of GDP, with a slight increase projected to 15.8% in 2026—still far from the 20% benchmark set by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

International observers have noted the country’s fiscal progress. In March 2024, Moody’s upgraded Ivory Coast’s credit rating from Ba3 to Ba2, citing improvements in revenue mobilization, external debt management, and budget discipline.

That progress reflects in early 2025 results. According to a government communiqué issued July 2, the state collected CFA3,707 billion (approximately $6.6 billion) in the first quarter—exceeding the target of CFA3,200.7 billion and achieving a performance rate of 115.8%.

Still, the Prime Minister stressed that the reform’s success depends on broad support. He urged private businesses to take ownership of the system and act as “resolute ambassadors” of the initiative. He also called on citizens and the General Directorate of Taxes to back the effort to make it sustainable.

Ingrid Haffiny (Intern)