Since 2024, Togo has launched a financial program supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that focuses on increasing revenue as a key part of its efforts to stabilize its budget. The goal is to expand the number of people and businesses paying taxes without slowing down economic growth. The government aims to collect 2109 billion CFA francs in taxes by 2031, as outlined in the Medium-Term Revenue Mobilization Strategy 2027-2031 (SRMT). This strategy, which was shared with the private sector in Lomé on October 6, 2026, outlines plans for tax and customs reforms over the next few years. The plan emphasizes increasing domestic revenue while ensuring the private sector remains competitive. Currently, Togo’s tax pressure—meaning the share of taxes collected compared to the size of the economy—remains below the average for the African Union, which is set at 20 percent of GDP. In 2025, this figure was 13.1 percent. Officials say there is room for improvement, as the gap between current levels and the potential for tax collection is significant. Kpowbié Tchasso Stéphane Akaya, secretary general of the Ministry of Finance and Budget, noted that the SRMT aims to raise tax revenue from 1043.7 billion CFA francs in 2026 to 2109 billion by 2031. Key methods include expanding the tax base, using digital tools to collect taxes more efficiently, and managing tax-related spending more carefully. As of June 2026, the Office of Taxation and Revenue (OTR) had already collected 507.82 billion CFA francs, which is 14.3 percent more than the same period the previous year and represents 46.3 percent of the annual target of 1,338.9 billion CFA francs. A major part of the strategy involves using digital technology to improve tax collection and transparency. For example, the 2026 finance law introduced certified electronic invoices, which help track transactions and manage value-added tax (VAT) more effectively. The OTR has also begun digitizing certain tax obligations, such as the e-TPU system launched in September 2026. This system allows eligible taxpayers to declare and pay the single professional tax online, making the process more efficient. For businesses, the challenge is ensuring that these changes do not create uncertainty. Laurent Coami Tamegnon, president of the National Council of Employers, welcomed the creation of new administrative bodies, such as the Administrative Appeals Commission and the Customs Disputes Administrative Commission. These are designed to provide legal clarity and protect companies as the government works to increase tax revenue. The government has emphasized that the SRMT is not intended to overburden taxpayers but to better mobilize available resources. To ensure this, a dedicated committee will oversee the strategy’s implementation, with progress reviews planned for 2029 and 2031. The aim is to balance the need for increased revenue with the need to maintain a stable and predictable environment for businesses, ensuring that Togo’s economy continues to grow while meeting its financial goals.