Confederation of Sahel States Introduces 0.5% Import Tariff to Fund Regional Integration

The Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has implemented a 0.5% tariff on imports from non-member countries to finance regional development and integration efforts. This landmark decision marks a significant step towards economic self-sufficiency for the newly formed bloc.

According to an official document signed by Mali’s military leader and CSS president, General Assimi Goïta, the revenue generated from the tariff will support key regional initiatives, including infrastructure projects, economic development programs, and social welfare schemes.

Key Aspects of the New Tariff

The tariff, referred to as the Confederal Levy (PC-AES), is calculated based on the customs value of imported goods and adheres to regulations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Certain exemptions apply, including:

• Goods in transit
• Humanitarian aid and donations
• Non-refundable subsidies
• Re-imported goods
• Personal belongings of travelers
• Oil imports from non-member countries

Revenue collected from the tariff will be deposited into a dedicated CSS account, with financial oversight provided by the finance ministers of the member states. Funds will be allocated to various regional projects, including:

• Regional integration programs
• The Confederal Investment Bank
• Operational expenses of CSS institutions
• Social solidarity programs within member states

To promote accountability and transparency, an independent audit will be conducted annually to review the management of the collected funds.

Collection and Implementation

National customs authorities of each member state will be responsible for collecting the levy, with an obligation to transfer the funds to the CSS within 15 days after the end of each month. The tariff officially came into effect on March 28, 2025.

Speaking on the initiative, Mali’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Alousséni Sanou, reassured citizens that the new tariff would not lead to increased consumer costs.

“We have the ECOWAS community tax, which is uniformly applied,” Sanou stated in a televised address. “For Malian consumers, this tariff is merely a transfer and will not impact imports or the price of imported food.”

A Step Towards Economic Independence

The CSS views this policy as a crucial move towards financial autonomy, reducing dependency on foreign aid while strengthening regional cooperation. By generating its own financial resources, the bloc aims to invest in infrastructure, security, and long-term development projects that will benefit its member states.

The introduction of the import tariff highlights the CSS’s commitment to building a sustainable economic framework. As the bloc continues to establish its economic policies, international stakeholders will be watching closely to assess the impact of this initiative on trade and regional stability.