This article makes a case for reforming the fiscal policies in forested African countries. These fiscal policies have been designed to bring revenues to the states which they have performed satisfactorily but they were less successful in bringing local development. They should be modified to take into account past years experience and new trends, particularly Flegt and certification. They should encourage local investments and high value processing and incite international companies to develop local and regional markets in order to connect them to international markets. They should avoid leaving national producers to the informal sector. They should also help developing sustainable forestry certification in the region as it is an important leverage in the promotion of local development. This article examines the current tax systems and proposes a few solutions