Working Paper

Local Government Revenue Mobilization in Anglophone Africa

The opportunities and constraints facing local revenue mobilization in Anglophone Africa, was examined in this paper, with an emphasis on urban settings. It discussed specific revenue instruments and their effects on economic efficiency, income distribution and accountability.
It addressed, in particular the political and administrative constraints facing various revenue instruments and factors affecting citizens’ compliance. The analysis is illustrated with examples from across anglophone Africa. A general conclusion emerging from the study is
that local revenues mobilized in most local government authorities in Africa are necessary but not sufficient to develop and supply adequate services for the fast-growing population. On this basis, areas for further research on local government revenue mobilization in Africa are identified.