Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have introduced a 0.5% tariff on goods imported from countries outside the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
In January, the three Sahel nations announced their decision to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and form the AES, citing the influence of colonial powers on ECOWAS. Despite this departure, they will temporarily retain access to ECOWAS privileges, such as the free movement of people and goods, until the terms of their separation are finalized through ongoing negotiations.
Additionally, the AES has launched a joint program aimed at goods imported from non-member states and countries without a customs agreement with the alliance. According to a document signed by Mali’s military leader and AES president, General Assimi Goïta, the revenue generated from this tariff will be used to fund AES initiatives, including economic development, public infrastructure projects, and social support programs.
Goods in transit, aid, donations, and non-refundable subsidies are exempt from the tariff. Mali’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Alousséni Sanou, stressed that the new tariff will not burden consumers.
“We already have the ECOWAS community tax, which is applied uniformly,” Sanou stated in a televised address. “For Malian consumers, this tariff is simply a transfer and will not affect imports or the price of imported food.”
The military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which came to power through coups between 2020 and 2023, have reiterated their commitment to pursuing independent policies.