IMF Praises Egypt’s Digital Tax Reform at Arab Fiscal Forum

The International Monetary Fund has praised Egypt’s experience in digitising its tax system, describing it as a strong example of how digital reform can improve efficiency, transparency, and trust between governments and taxpayers.

Speaking at the 10th Annual Arab Fiscal Forum in Dubai, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said Egypt has made notable progress in expanding the use of digital tools within its tax administration. She noted that such reforms play a key role in strengthening public finances and modernising state institutions.

The forum brought together senior officials from across the Arab world, including finance ministers from Jordan, Libya, Lebanon, Somalia and Syria, as well as central bank governors from Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Palestine, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Egypt’s Finance Minister, Ahmed Kouchouk, said in earlier statements that electronic tax systems have simplified procedures for taxpayers and helped broaden the tax base. He added that automated systems have improved the state’s ability to build trust and establish a more stable and cooperative relationship with the tax community.

Georgieva also welcomed progress made by Jordan and Morocco in tax digitalisation, while pointing to the adoption of value-added tax across Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the implementation of a global minimum corporate tax as important steps toward stronger and fairer fiscal systems.

She forecast that the Arab region’s economy will grow by 3.7 percent this year. Oil-exporting countries are expected to benefit from increased production, while oil-importing nations are likely to gain from lower energy prices, rising remittances from expatriate workers, and a recovery in tourism.

The IMF chief said fiscal conditions across the region have improved, allowing several countries to regain access to international financial markets. She also noted that a number of Arab states have taken tangible steps toward economic diversification and increased investment in digital infrastructure, particularly to take advantage of artificial intelligence technologies.

Georgieva reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and attracting foreign direct investment, stressing the Fund’s readiness to assist the region through technical advice, financing, and capacity-building programs.