The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has started a review of its directive on excise duties on tobacco products, with stakeholders meeting in Conakry, Guinea, to consider changes in the regional tobacco market.
The meeting, held from August 10 to 12, 2026, was organised by ECOWAS in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), with technical support from the World Bank.
Representatives of ECOWAS member states, the ECOWAS Commission, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), WHO, the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), the World Bank and other stakeholders attended the meeting.
Review of 2017 Directive
The meeting focused on the implementation of the 2017 ECOWAS Directive on Excise Duties on Tobacco Products and the need to update the regional rules.
Participants looked at how the directive has worked since it was introduced and discussed whether changes are needed to deal with developments in the tobacco and nicotine market.
The review also comes as new tobacco and nicotine products continue to emerge, while countries in the region adjust their tax policies.
Focus on Illicit Trade
Another issue discussed at the meeting was the illicit trade in tobacco and tobacco products, which continues to pose challenges to tax collection and tobacco control efforts.
The stakeholders considered ways to strengthen the regional framework and improve the implementation of tobacco excise duties across member states.
The meeting is expected to contribute to the review of the existing directive and help ECOWAS develop a framework that reflects current developments in the tobacco and nicotine market.
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