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By Trevor Lutalo
The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have marked ten years of collaboration dedicated to advancing Africa’s development through enhanced Domestic Resource mobilisation (DRM). ATAF with over 20 member states including Uganda, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon among others has registered progress over the years.
This long-term partnership underlines a shared commitment to strengthening tax policy, tax administration, and public financial management across the continent, which are essential for African countries to fund their national development plans and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rather than introducing new taxes or increasing existing rates, the partnership emphasises optimising current systems, streamlining tax policies, improving administrative efficiency, and simplifying tax filing processes. These measures are designed to significantly boost state revenues, enabling governments to invest in crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
ATAF and AfDB’s efforts have been formalised through key initiatives, including the Regional Institutional Support Project on Public Financial Governance (RISPFG) Phases I and II, a DRM study for Central Africa, and joint support to Regional Member Countries (RMCs), fragile states, and Public Financial Management (PFM) reform. These efforts aim to strengthen tax systems, curb illicit financial flows, and advance gender equality, notably through initiatives such as the ATAF Women in Tax Network (AWITN).
ATAF Executive Secretary, Logan Wort says, “Our partnership with the African Development Bank has been instrumental in driving the reforms needed to strengthen Africa’s tax systems. By improving tax policies and administration, we are not just increasing revenue but laying the groundwork for sustainable development. The focus on curbing illicit financial flows and adapting to the digital economy ensures that Africa’s growth is both resilient and inclusive. Together with the AfDB, we are committed to building a future where African countries can fully fund their development agendas and achieve lasting prosperity.”
The RISPFG projects’ impact is evident, particularly with Phase I, which concluded with notable success. It provided technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and peer learning opportunities that enhanced tax administration and public finance management in several African countries. Building on these achievements, Phase II continues to focus on DRM, public finance management, and promoting resilience for inclusive growth.
A key achievement is the DRM study for Central Africa, which has delivered valuable revenue and customs-related data for countries such as Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
ATAF’s Head of Member Services, Emeka Nwankwo, underscores the importance of the study, saying, “The DRM study for Central Africa has been instrumental in providing reliable data that will shape strategic decisions across the region. It is a critical resource for tax administrations, policymakers, and practitioners, offering a comprehensive reference for national and regional resource planning.”
The two bodies are expected to continue deepening their impact across Africa, with more specialized support for countries in need. Upcoming initiatives will provide targeted technical assistance to RMCs in areas such as fiscal policy, tax transparency, tax expenditure management, and overall DRM through taxation.
Building on ATAF’s growing presence in Central Africa, the organisation continues to lead tax initiatives in the region. Using the African Tax Outlook (ATO) data, ATAF’s current DRM project, which began with Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, now includes countries like the Central African Republic, Congo, and Gabon. This expansion will allow ATAF to broaden its influence and offer more comprehensive support.
The central goal of the DRM project is to create a regional report that serves as a critical reference manual for tax administrations, policymakers, practitioners, and taxpayers. The report will analyze macroeconomic and tax administration trends, evaluating revenue collection performance and the effectiveness of tax functions in these six Central African nations. It will also provide valuable recommendations to help member countries strengthen their tax systems, contributing to their broader economic growth and sustainability.