Africa's tax authorities unite for knowledge exchange at ATAF workshop

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) hosted a dynamic consultative workshop aimed at fostering collaboration and enhancing tax administration across Africa. The workshop brought together heads of training schools/centre of ATAF member countries. Throughout the working session, participants engaged in insightful discussions and presentations in the plenary, and breakout sessions focused on strengthening the delivery of training by ATAF to its members.

Dr Amos Ibrahim – the Head of Short Courses at the Institute of Tanzania Revenue Authority’s Training Institution - has attended several ATAF training workshops including revenue forecasting among others. Beaming with pride, Dr Ibrahim fondly recalled when his research paper was published in ATAF’s African Multidisciplinary Tax Journal.

TAXING DIGITAL FIRMS IN AFRICA

The current global tax rules are no longer fit for purpose in an increasingly digitalised global economy and the domestic rules of most countries are also not appropriate for the taxation of such businesses. In response to these issues in June 2020 ATAF published a Policy Brief designed to assist ATAF members in their tax policy considerations regarding the taxation of highly digitalised businesses operating in Africa countries. The choice African countries make on the taxing of digital firms will vary depending on the country’s particular tax policy objectives. As set out in this policy brief there are various legislative options available to countries and ATAF stands ready to assist its members in their deliberations on this issue.