The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade (MFNPT) and the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC), officially launched the SDG Taxation Framework (STF) in Seychelles on 29 July 2024.

The SDG Taxation Framework (STF) is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that helps national and sub-national governments evaluate the coherence of their tax systems with specific SDG targets and indicators. It identifies opportunities within tax policies and administration to achieve these goals. The STF builds on existing support to the SRC for enhanced domestic resource mobilization through strategic tax policy actions and administrative interventions. Discussions on the initiative focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 8, and 17 began in January this year.

The launch ceremony, was attended by senior government officials from the MFNPT and the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Energy (MACCE). The Commissioner General of the SRC, along with key stakeholders from relevant agencies and the UNDP, were also present.

In his address, Jamiil Jeetoo (Ph.D.), National Economist representing the UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles Multi-Country Office, highlighted that the STF is not just a tool but a beacon of hope, emphasizing its role as a strategic instrument to help countries align their tax systems with the overarching goals of sustainable development.

H.E. Naadir Hassan, Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade, expressed profound gratitude for the UNDP’s support under the Tax for SDGs project. The Minister reiterated that achieving the SDGs is a collective effort requiring strong engagement from governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.

Dr. Amna Khalifa, the lead UNDP expert overseeing the STF process, explained the various steps involved and shared success stories from the 20 countries where the STF has been launched.

The workshop will span five days, with sessions targeting each of the three focus SDGs. Following the workshop, a self-evaluation report consolidating input from all stakeholders will be drafted and shared with the government. Subsequently, a country support plan will be developed.

The STF diagnostic framework supports governments in examining not only the magnitude of domestic tax collections but also the progressivity of the tax structure, the effectiveness and efficiency of tax administration, and the trust of citizens in the tax system. It highlights the critical role of Seychelles’ tax policy and revenue administration in achieving the SDGs by 2030, providing an opportunity to identify additional measures for achieving SDG targets.