Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger introduce 0.5% import tax to fund AES activities

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have introduced a 0.5% tariff on goods imported from third countries, a move aimed at financing their activities within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This new tax, named the “AES confederal levy,” will apply to products entering the three countries but will exclude goods from other AES members, as well as those from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (Uemoa). Despite their exit from ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) in January 2025, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso remain part of Uemoa, and their products will not be affected by this levy.

The decision, signed by Assimi Goita, the Head of Mali’s military junta and AES chair, was implemented to ensure financial independence for the Confederation. The tax mirrors a similar levy that was previously imposed at the external borders of ECOWAS, but instead of returning the funds to the regional body, they will now be retained by the AES countries to support their confederation’s operations. According to Mali’s Minister of Economy, the tax will not increase the cost of imported food products for local consumers, though uncertainties remain regarding the impact on goods from non-Uemoa countries such as Ghana and Nigeria.

This move follows a growing sentiment within the AES countries, with protests in support of their departure from ECOWAS, as they seek to assert greater control over their economic and political decisions. The introduction of this tariff marks a significant step in the countries’ efforts to finance their initiatives and reduce reliance on external entities.