The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Nigeria and other African nations to raise tax revenue by broadening the tax base and cracking down on evasion.

Speaking during a press briefing at the ongoing IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasized that these measures are essential for navigating current global economic challenges.

Georgieva noted that while Africa hosts some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, low-income and conflict-affected countries are falling behind. She highlighted the indirect impact of slowing global growth and lower oil prices on economies like Nigeria’s, stressing the need for fiscal resilience.

“There is still room to strengthen fiscal buffers,” she said. “Don’t make excuses. More can be done to expand the tax base and tackle tax evasion, including leveraging technology.”

She also urged African nations to address corruption and reshape the continent’s image, stating that wrongdoing in one country casts a shadow over the rest.