Togo’s tax office exceeds revenue targets

Philippe Kokou Tchodie, the General Commissioner of the OTR, led the seminar, which gathered the institution’s executive committee and key staff members.

At the seminar, Tchodie highlighted the OTR’s impressive performance amid challenging economic conditions.

“By the end of July 2024, the OTR had mobilized 515.8 billion CFA francs,” Tchodie announced.

This figure surpasses the initial target of 484.6 billion for the first six months of the year, achieving a realization rate of 106.4%.

Tchodie credited this success to the coordinated efforts of various departments, including tax, customs, and land registration.

The seminar also focused on internal management improvements and service efficiency.

The OTR has introduced a certification process as part of its Quality Management System deployment.

This initiative aims to ensure rigorous resource management and enhance the services provided to taxpayers.

A comprehensive report on tax control activities was presented, showcasing advancements in fiscal audits, investigations, and cross-checks. These efforts have led to better revenue optimization and increased taxpayer compliance.

Additionally, the performance evaluation of tax auditors for 2023 underscored the importance of maintaining high standards of competence and integrity.

Another significant topic was the fiscal regulation of the justice sector, an effort to integrate this area into the revenue mobilization process.

The customs tracking system was praised as a success, strengthening Togo’s position as a regional logistics hub.

Future plans for this tool were discussed, focusing on leveraging the strategic Lomé-Cinkassé-AES corridor to boost customs revenue and regional trade.

The seminar also addressed human resources management within the OTR, including a new action plan to promote gender equality and diversity.

The performance of the OTR’s sports team, AS OTR, was also celebrated; the team achieved a historic second-place finish nationally for the 2023-2024 season.

The seminar marked the conclusion of the training cycle for the 5th class at the Institute of Fiscal and Customs Training (IFFD) and announced the arrival of the 6th class and the OECD Academy on tax crime and related offenses in September.

According to General Commissioner Tchodie, these events are crucial for strengthening the OTR’s internal capabilities.

The seminar also reviewed the health insurance coverage for OTR staff, ensuring their well-being and highlighting the preparations for the upcoming general assembly of the staff mutual fund, LA SYMBIOSE, which underscores the cohesion and solidarity among members.