ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency within the country’s tax system.
His remarks came during the 6th Annual Loyal Taxpayers Recognition Ceremony held on Thursday, which celebrated individuals committed to fulfilling their tax obligations.
In his address, Ahmed emphasized that paying taxes is not merely a duty but a testament to individual integrity and a commitment to the greater good. “Trustworthiness begins with the individual,” he stated, underscoring the collective responsibility to contribute to national development.
He praised the honorees for their dedication to civic duty, highlighting the crucial role of tax compliance in fostering national trust.
The Prime Minister assured attendees that the government would honor their trust by ensuring tax revenues are utilized effectively, particularly in essential public projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He stressed the importance of these investments for Ethiopia’s collective progress.
While acknowledging improvements in tax collection, Ahmed reiterated the need for continued efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency within the system. He emphasized the necessity of reducing corruption and modernizing tax collection processes to create a fairer environment for all taxpayers.
The ceremony celebrated those who have consistently met their tax obligations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to cultivating a culture of accountability and civic responsibility among its citizens.
(Photo from the Ethiopian PM’s Office shows the 6th Annual Loyal Taxpayers Recognition Ceremony held on Thursday, which celebrated individuals committed to fulfilling their tax obligations.)