Digital technologies have the potential to significantly boost domestic revenue mobilization and advance inclusive economic development across Africa, experts from African governments, international organizations, and the private sector emphasized during the African Development Bank Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings, which concluded in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaking at a high-level side event, Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, the Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge, said digitizing tax systems alone could generate up to $125 billion annually, without raising tax rates. More broadly, the digitalization of public sector systems across Africa could unlock as much as $687 billion in additional revenue, significantly strengthening fiscal capacity continent-wide, he noted.

Moderated by Carina Sugden, Lead Governance Officer at the Bank’s Governance and Economic Reforms Department, the session featured dynamic discussions that emphasized the importance of strong political will, robust digital infrastructure, inclusive policy frameworks, and regional cooperation.

“Digitalization is no longer optional—it is essential. It improves compliance, expands the tax base, and fosters accountability,” said Mary Baine, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Africa Tax Administration Forum (ATAF).

Finland’s Ambassador to Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and The Gambia, Anu Saxén, reaffirmed her country’s partnership with the African Development Bank and ATAF to strengthen digital tax systems across the continent. She highlighted innovations such as AI-powered audits and integration with mobile payment platforms as key drivers of modernized tax administration.

Patrick Olomo, Head of Economic Policy and Sustainable Development at the African Union Commission, underlined the urgency of strengthening domestic resource mobilization from 15.8% currently to catch up with other regions.

Ouattara Sie Abou, Director General of Taxation in Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted the importance of equity in tax reforms: “Digital tax systems must be fair. They should broaden the tax base without overburdening entities that are already compliant in the formal sector.”

Yankuba Darboe, Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, emphasized the role of institutional capacity: “Political will and strong partnerships are key. But just as important is training our people to sustain these reforms. Digital tools are only as good as the people who manage them.”

John Bosco Sebabi, Deputy CEO of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), highlighted the need for integration: “Intra-African trade is just 14%—a symptom of fragmented systems. Integrating payment infrastructure is essential to boosting regional commerce and tax efficiency.”

Several other speakers highlighted successful digital transformation initiatives already showing measurable results. Allen Asiime, Deputy CEO of TradeMark Africa, cited Uganda’s experience, where customs revenues rose by 47% thanks to digital platforms. “These tools empower small businesses and enhance transparency,” she noted.

Kentaro Nagai, CEO of Japan’s SENRI, developers of mobile and web applications for sales automation, drew parallels to global challenges: “Connectivity and infrastructure limitations aren’t unique to Africa. But the solution is the same: governments and businesses must co-design practical digital systems.”

Closing the panel, Ms. Bridget Kelly, Vice President of Alliances and Chief Compliance Officer at FreeBalance, emphasized the link between trust and technology: “Digital financial systems are not just about revenue—they’re about trust. Citizens are more likely to comply when systems are clear, transparent, and accessible.”