OTR, towards strengthened governance and increased efficiency...

Togo continues its efforts to modernize public administration and improve public resource management. During the Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2025, the government adopted a bill aimed at updating the institutional framework of the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR). This reform seeks to align the institution with international standards by strengthening governance, optimizing the functioning of its board of directors, and accelerating administrative procedures.

This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing measures to modernize public administration and ensure greater transparency in the mobilization of fiscal and customs resources. It builds upon the findings of a performance audit conducted on the 2014-2018 period, which highlighted the need to integrate best international practices within the OTR. The goal is to make the institution more efficient by ensuring optimal revenue management and facilitating interactions with taxpayers.

Since its creation in 2014, the OTR has played a key role in tax and duty collection, contributing significantly to financing the state budget. The results are impressive: between 2014 and 2023, fiscal revenue grew dramatically by 116%, rising from 458.2 billion CFA francs to 991 billion CFA francs in 2023. These achievements demonstrate the institution’s effectiveness, while underscoring the need for continued adaptation to the demands of a constantly evolving economic environment.

The Togolese government is confident that this reform will not only enhance the OTR’s efficiency but also improve the country’s attractiveness. By modernizing its processes and ensuring more transparent management of public revenue, Togo aims to strengthen its domestic resource mobilization policy and support its economic development.

In summary, the update to the institutional framework of the OTR marks a significant step in the modernization of Togolese public administration. It reflects the government’s commitment to building high-performing and transparent institutions to meet the expectations of citizens and investors while bolstering confidence in the country’s tax system.