Senegal seeks 40% tax-revenue rise to bolster bid for IMF program

Senegal says achieving 25% of its annual tax target in Q1 2026 — about 1.35 trillion CFA francs, a 41% rise from last year’s Q1 — would strengthen its case for a new IMF program; the IMF has not commented.

Senegal is aiming to show strong tax collections in the first quarter of 2026 to strengthen its case for re-establishing an International Monetary Fund program. Minister of State Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo said reaching at least 25% of the year’s targeted tax revenue by the end of Q1 would lend credibility to the government’s macroeconomic framework. The government forecasts total tax revenue for 2026 at 5.4 trillion CFA francs, or about 23% of GDP. The IMF suspended a previous $1.8 billion facility in 2024 after the government disclosed $7 billion in previously hidden debt. Key points: - Officials say 25% of the annual tax target in Q1 would be roughly 1.35 trillion CFA francs, versus 960 billion CFA francs in Q1 last year, a reported 41% increase. - The 2026 tax-revenue forecast is 5.4 trillion CFA francs, or about 23% of GDP, according to the government. - IMF officials have declined to comment on the government’s remarks, and some analysts say the projections may imply spending cuts and ambitious targets. Summary: If first-quarter tax receipts meet the 25% threshold, officials say that would strengthen Senegal’s presentation to the IMF and support efforts to restore a viable macroeconomic framework. The next immediate milestone is the publication of Q1 2026 tax collection figures; the IMF’s response remains undetermined at this time.