Experts call for digital transformation in Africa's tax collection regime

Tax experts are urging African nations to adopt digital solutions to enhance revenue administration and collection, aiming to boost efficiency, increase revenues, and stimulate economic growth across the continent.

This appeal was made at the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), which began on Tuesday in Kigali, Rwanda. Spanning from Monday to Friday, the annual gathering includes a General Assembly where a new ATAF Council will be elected, marking the end of the current Council’s tenure.

Gershom Pasi, former commissioner general of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, highlighted the need for revenue systems to evolve with global changes.

Logan Wort, Executive Secretary of ATAF, underlined the transformative impact of technology on tax collection.

Rwanda Revenue Authority Commissioner General Ronald Niwenshuti emphasized the importance of collaboration and capacity-building to improve revenue mobilization.

Philippe Kokou B. Tchodie, commissioner general of the Togo Revenue Authority, stressed the need for modernized governance to meet citizens' expectations. "The future of tax administration depends on advancements in technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence," he said.

Ken Morris, former commissioner general of the Botswana Unified Revenue Service, praised ATAF’s contributions to strengthening tax systems across Africa. 

Richard Tusabe, Rwanda's Minister of State for the National Treasury, urged swift modernization of tax administrations across Africa. 

The forum has attracted over 500 participants, including tax officials, stakeholders, and experts, to engage in discussions, seminars, and workshops. Key topics include financing sustainable development goals, domestic resource mobilization, and the role of tax administrations in advancing Africa’s development agenda.