For some countries, these tariffs on imported goods accounted for more than 40% of total tax revenue, highlighting the heavy reliance on international trade for government funding.
In extreme cases, such as São Tomé and Príncipe, customs duties contributed 100% of tax revenue.
Breakdown of customs duties as a share of tax revenue (Statista, 2020)
| Country | Customs Duties as % of Total Tax Revenue |
|---|---|
|
São Tomé and Príncipe |
100% |
|
Nigeria |
64% |
|
Cameroon |
45% |
|
Angola |
43% |
|
Gabon |
43% |
|
Chad |
41% |
|
Republic of Congo |
41% |
|
DR Congo |
39% |
|
Uganda |
36% |
|
Central African Republic |
35% |
|
Malawi |
32% |
|
Ethiopia |
32% |
Customs Duties: A Key Revenue Stream in Africa
Across the continent, customs duties remain a major source of tax revenue.
In 15 African countries, more than 40% of tax revenue in 2020 came from customs duties, while in 24 countries, customs duties contributed over 30%.
Notably, in nations such as Benin, The Gambia, and Lesotho, customs duties accounted for more than 60% of total tax revenue.
This reliance underscores the economic structure of these nations, where import duties serve as a critical funding source for government operations.
What Are Customs Duties?
Customs duties are taxes or tariffs imposed on goods transported across international borders. These duties serve multiple purposes, including:
- Revenue generation for governments
- Protection of domestic industries from foreign competition
- Regulation of imports and exports
- Control over the entry of restricted goods
Alternative Sources of Tax Revenue
While customs duties play a crucial role, many African governments also generate revenue from other sources, including:
- Corporate income tax – levied on company profits
- Personal income tax – imposed on individual earnings
- Value-added tax (VAT) – applied to goods and services
- Petroleum taxes – derived from oil and gas production
- Excise duties – applied to specific goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and fuel
Challenges and Considerations
While customs duties provide essential revenue, over-reliance on them presents challenges.
Countries that depend heavily on import taxes risk financial instability during economic downturns, trade disruptions, or global supply chain crises.
There is also a need for tax diversification, ensuring governments do not rely solely on imports but instead develop stronger domestic tax bases.
Africa’s tax structure varies significantly across nations, with customs duties serving as a primary revenue source for several economies.
While beneficial, heavy dependence on these taxes underscores the need for policy shifts towards diversified tax systems that can sustain long-term economic growth and financial stability.
