The tax revenue implication of trade liberalisation in sub‐Saharan Africa: Some new evidence

Abstract

Despite the advent of trade liberalisation, trade taxes still remain a key source of tax revenues in sub‐Saharan Africa. Further trade reforms in the form of the African Continental Free Trade Area could, however, hinder output growth in the region if these reforms lead to a decline in total tax revenues. Motivated by this conundrum, this paper investigates the impact of trade liberalisation on tax revenues across a panel of sub‐Saharan African countries. The results indicate that trade liberalisation is associated with an increase in total tax revenues. Also, the reduction of import and export duties significantly increases and decreases domestic and trade tax revenues, respectively. In addition, greater urbanisation is associated with an increase in total tax revenues, while inflation decreases tax revenues.