Somali government introduces tax exemption on basic commodities

CAPE TOWN – The Somali government has introduced tax exemptions on basic commodities to help cushion the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Finance announced on Tuesday. 

The tax exemptions came into effect on April 15.

Local online publication Somali Affairs cited a statement issued by the department. According to the statement, a 100% tax exemption will be granted for rice and dates, while a 50% tax exemption will be put in place for wheat flour and cooking oil.

The online publication said the tax exemptions would also provide relief for consumers as they approach the holy month of Ramadaan.

Somalia has recorded 60 cases of Covid-19 and two deaths.