Buch(elektronisch)2019

Modernizing VATs in Africa

In: Oxford scholarship online

In: Economics and Finance

Cnossen, Sijbren

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Abstract

Most African countries are in dire need of more tax revenue. In 28 out of 45 countries with a value-added tax (VAT), total tax revenue as a percentage of GDP is around 15% or less, falling short of what is necessary to finance basic human and economic development. Far from being revenue-raising instruments, current African VATs are riddled with exemptions, exclusions, and zero rates on domestic goods and services that depress revenue, are highly distortionary, and greatly complicate the administration of VAT. This text enables policymakers, professionals, and students to analyse African tax systems to ascertain how they can be modernised. It explains the case for VAT base-broadening over rate-increasing, arguing that exemptions and zero rates mainly accrue benefits for higher-income groups.