African tax leaders meet in Kigali to boost revenue systems
Over 500 African tax administrators, experts, and stakeholders have convened in Kigali for the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) annual meeting, marking the continent’s largest gathering of tax officials.
Hosted by the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), the event aims to redefine tax systems as key drivers of economic growth, social equity, and sustainability amidst Africa’s increasing development financing needs.
Under the theme “Preparing for the Future: Revenue Administration in a Dynamic Global Landscape,” the conference hopes to show the critical role of domestic revenue mobilization (DRM) in achieving economic independence and sustainable development across Africa.
The meeting, which began with a series of closed-door sessions on Monday, will officially open on Tuesday, December 3.
Participants include representatives from the African Union, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), business leaders, and scholars, all dedicated to advancing tax governance across the continent.
Panels and workshops throughout the week will explore innovative solutions to enhance tax collection efficiency and discussions will look at: taxing high-net-worth individuals; engaging the informal sector and leveraging digital tools like artificial intelligence and data science.
These sessions will identify actionable solutions to the challenges posed by Africa’s dynamic global economic environment.
The initial closed-door meetings on Monday included sessions for ATAF’s Council, Technical Committees, African Women in Tax Network, and donor groups. These discussions reviewed progress, identified challenges, and explored prospects for strengthening DRM and ATAF’s role in supporting African tax systems.
The meeting will address pressing challenges in tax governance, noting the importance of DRM as a foundation for Africa’s sustainable development. Panels will feature interactive dialogues among tax experts, heads of revenue authorities, finance ministers, and international stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
The ATAF Annual Meetings represent a critical platform for capacity-building workshops, seminars, and thought-provoking discussions. ATAF’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and accountability reinforces its commitment to improving tax governance across Africa.
As the conference unfolds, stakeholders are optimistic that the insights and strategies developed in Kigali will pave the way for robust tax systems that can sustain Africa’s development ambitions and reduce inequalities.
The forum continues through the week, with key recommendations expected to shape the future of revenue administration in Africa.
