West African governments are moving toward carbon taxation as a new revenue source and climate action tool. The West African Tax Administration Forum and ECOWAS have agreed to research carbon tax frameworks, examining economic impacts and implementation challenges across the region. A regional carbon tax could affect emissions-intensive sectors like mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, cement, and transport. The initiative aims to balance environmental goals with economic competitiveness while reducing dependence on external financing. The research will guide member states on designing carbon tax policies that support cleaner production and long-term economic resilience. This is part of broader ECOWAS efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and fiscal sustainability.
