Minister Kenyeh Barlay Hosts ECOWAS Delegation for Community Levy Evaluation
Freetown, Monday, 10th February 2025 – A four-member delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, along with key directors of the Ministry, to assess the implementation of the ECOWAS Community Levy.
The ECOWAS Community Levy is a 0.5% tax imposed on goods imported from non-ECOWAS member states and constitutes between 70% and 90% of the ECOWAS budget. This assessment seeks to evaluate the enforcement of the Community Levy Protocols and ensure compliance across member states.
Speaking at the meeting, Moïse Appdes Thera, ECOWAS Representative, emphasized that the Community Levy Assessment is an annual exercise aimed at reviewing member states’ adherence to the levy protocols signed by all ECOWAS nations. He reaffirmed ECOWAS’ mandate to oversee the implementation of these policies and praised the Government of Sierra Leone for its commitment to upholding the protocols.
He also outlined proactive measures to enhance information sharing, transparency, and accountability in the collection, mobilization, and deposit of the ECOWAS Community Levy.
In her remarks, Minister Kenyeh Barlay expressed Sierra Leone’s pride in being part of the ECOWAS community. She highlighted that the Community Levy remains a critical pillar for funding ECOWAS operations and interventions. Despite historical challenges, she reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s continued efforts to strengthen the implementation of the levy protocols and pledged the country’s commitment to setting a strong precedent for other member states.
Additionally, Development Secretary at MoPED, Peter Sam Kapra, informed the delegation that the Government of Sierra Leone is actively working to improve the implementation of the Community Levy protocols. He noted ongoing discussions between MoPED, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Finance, the National Revenue Authority (NRA), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to further strengthen Sierra Leone’s commitment to the levy.
For more information, please contact Alfred Kabia at +23279174027 or visit MoPED’s social media platforms: Twitter (@moped2025), Facebook, or the official website (moped.gov.sl).