ECA holds study tour in support to Sudan’s tax administration and development

Cairo, 16 April 2026 (ECA) - The ECA Office for North Africa, in partnership with the Egyptian Tax Authority, concluded today a five-day study tour in Egypt, to support Sudan's efforts to advance tax administration reforms. The tour was held from 12 to 16 April 2026, and included a technical workshop, peer-to-peer exchanges, and field visits to key ETA departments for the benefit of high-level officials from the Sudan Tax Chamber led by Dr. Badr ElTamam, Director General.

The tour provided Sudan Tax Chamber representatives with an opportunity to examine how the Egyptian Tax Authority plans and implements reforms, introduces digital tools, and enhances taxpayer services. This practical exposure will provide Sudan with tools to design realistic and effective measures to modernize and digitize its own tax system, strengthen compliance, and advance the broader agenda of revenue mobilization and fiscal recovery in Sudan.

This initiative comes at a critical time for Sudan. Since the outbreak of civil conflict in April 2023, the country has been suffering from severe economic disruption, widespread destruction of public institutions, population displacements, and the collapse of administrative infrastructures. Tax revenues have fallen by nearly 80 percent, limiting the government's ability to finance essential services and prepare national budgets. With tax collection at only 1 percent of GDP-among the lowest globally-strengthening domestic resource mobilization is crucial to restore fiscal stability and support post-conflict recovery.

"The breakdown of revenue collection mechanisms since the start of the conflict has significantly constrained the ability of Sudan's government to finance essential public services and sustain development projects. Given the key role it can play for financing reconstruction, supporting economic and social recovery and strengthening fiscal stability, revenue mobilization is currently one of Sudan's most pressing macroeconomic and developmental challenges," said Adam Elhiraika, Director of the ECA Office for North Africa ahead of the visit.

The study tour is part of the ECA Office for North Africa's ongoing support to Sudan and other member States in strengthening economic governance, enhancing domestic resource mobilization, and promoting resilient and sustainable development. By facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives, ECA helps countries address immediate challenges while preparing for long-term reforms in public administration and fiscal recovery.