From L-R: Khadija BOUHRAOUA, Itumeleng Kgosietsile, Joyce Mwangi and Khutšo Nong.
In Africa’s evolving tax landscape, technical policy work has long been a male-dominated space. But behind the scenes of ATAF’s Joint Technical Committees, a number of remarkable women are shaping the continent’s fiscal future. Their expertise, leadership, and lived experiences bring a critical dimension to high-level tax discussions ensuring more inclusive and balanced outcomes.
In this feature, we speak to four women who serve on ATAF’s Joint Technical Committees. We asked each of them the same two questions, inviting honest reflections on their journey, their influence, and their message to the next generation of women in tax.
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Itumeleng Kgosietsile
Revenue Manager, Rulings and Directives
Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS)
Q: As a woman contributing to ATAF’s Joint Technical Committees, what does your role mean to you, and how do you see your presence influencing the dynamics and outcomes of these high-level tax discussions?
A: A woman is a risk taker. She represents resilience and strength. She gave life after all…
When the ATAF VAT Technical Committee (VTC), now the Indirect Tax Technical Committee (ITC), was formed in 2017, I found myself being the only female member. It was intimidating, unnerving. I remember thinking, ‘oh no, where are the women, or are there no women in African tax administrations?’ I felt exposed, nervous, but determined. I decided there and then that, no matter what, I would represent them all. I made it a point that my voice would be heard. I listened and respected everyone, as the saying goes, “Respect is earned, not given.” I was voted the vice chairperson of the committee. I stood by and supported the chairperson. Six years as the vice chairperson and two as the chairperson, it’s been a rollercoaster ride – good and bad decisions were made but in the midst of it all, the committee thrived, and it’s now one of the successful committees in ATAF with insightful publications. I have grown as a person, from the extremely timid woman to the fearless “Madam Chair”. This role means a lot to me and, of course, to my fellow women. At the beginning, it felt like a test, but I have come to know that men or women, we all have flaws but all leaders have one thing in common: being able to lead others successfully towards a common goal. This I have achieved. I am proud to say women too are capable, they too are visionary and they too can withstand any pressure and exert the necessary strength to achieve their purpose.
Q: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the field of tax policy or administration, especially in environments where they may be underrepresented?
A: Learn the subject matter, understand and love what you do. You cannot stand against pressure if you are intellectually weak. Tax is a highly technical subject, its evolving and so keeping up with the times is important. Male domination in tax environment is real and can be intense, and if you were not strong, you would be swallowed whole. First be consistent and dependable, be humble but not arrogant, and most of all be authentic as fake is cheap and confusing. Women in tax are few, that is a fact, but one undermined fact is that, all things being equal, women can still be competitive and raise the bar. Femininity is not weakness.
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Khutšo Nong
Senior Manager: Engineering
South African Revenue Service (SARS)
Q: As a woman contributing to ATAF’s Joint Technical Committees, what does your role mean to you, and how do you see your presence influencing the dynamics and outcomes of these high-level tax discussions?
A: Being part of ATAF’s Technical Tax Administration Committee (TTC) is more than a professional milestone—it is a deeply personal and empowering journey. As a woman in engineering and tax administration, this opportunity represents a platform to contribute meaningfully to shaping tax policy and administration across Africa, while also breaking barriers and paving the way for greater gender inclusion in our field. It is a privilege to bring a unique perspective to the table—one that reflects not only technical expertise but also the lived experiences of women in governance and leadership. I am proud to stand alongside other dedicated professionals, working collaboratively to strengthen our continent’s tax systems and promote fairness, transparency, and innovation.
This role reaffirms my belief that when women are given a seat at the table, we don’t just participate—we lead, we inspire, and we transform, ourselves and others
Q: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the field of tax policy or administration, especially in environments where they may be underrepresented
A: Own Your Voice and Expertise. Your perspective is valuable. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, or challenge the status quo. Confidence grows with experience, but it starts with believing that your voice matters. Lead with Integrity and Purpose. In a field that shapes national development and equity, your ethical compass is crucial. Let your work reflect your values and commitment to public service. Celebrate Your Identity. Being a woman in this space is not a limitation—it’s a strength. Your lived experiences bring depth and diversity to policymaking and administration. Lift Others as You Rise. As you grow, create space for other women to thrive. Representation matters, and your success can inspire the next generation.
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Joyce Mwangi
Chief Manager – Competent Authority Office & Authorized Contact Person
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
Q: As a woman contributing to ATAF’s EOI Technical Committee, what does your role mean to you?
A: This role is deeply meaningful to me, as it allows me to actively contribute to shaping Africa’s Exchange of Information (EOI) strategy. EOI is a powerful instrument for enhancing Domestic Resource Mobilization across the continent, yet it remains underutilized in many countries. As a member of the Technical Committee, I take great pride in the work we have done together to raise awareness of EOI, address the challenges our member countries face in implementing it, and support their efforts to comply with international standards. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be part of a team that is driving positive change in this critical area.
Q: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the field of tax policy or administration, especially in environments where they may be underrepresented?
A: My advice would be to start by conducting thorough research on what it takes to succeed in your chosen area. Identify the skills and knowledge required, and then pursue the necessary training — there are many excellent, free online resources and courses available. Demonstrating your commitment and interest through continuous learning can be a powerful first step. Next, don’t hesitate to ask for opportunities to work in your desired field, whether through internships, mentorship, or project work. Finally, remember that underrepresentation can sometimes work to your advantage: it can highlight your unique perspective and resilience, making your contributions even more valuable. Stay determined and confident — your voice matters.
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Khadija BOUHRAOUA
Head of Corporate Tax Compliance Management
Direction Générale des Impôts of Morocco
Q: As a woman contributing to ATAF’s TTC Technical Committee, what does your role mean to you?
For me, being part of the ATAF TTC Technical Committee, as a woman, goes far beyond a simple professional role. It is a concrete opportunity to participate in the transformation of African tax administrations, at a key moment when they must adapt to deep-reaching changes brought about by digitalization, the emergence of new economic models and the great challenges of international taxation.
What makes this experience even more meaningful is ATAF’s strong commitment to promoting female leadership in tax. ATAF is not content to be a technical player; it strives to create an inclusive space, where women can express themselves, contribute fully and showcase their expertise.
As a female member of this committee, I hold this ambition of inclusion and equality, while actively engaging in strategic reflections for the development of fairer, more modern tax policies, tailored to African realities. It is both a responsibility and a source of pride.
Q. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the field of tax policy or administration, especially in environments where they may be underrepresented?
A: To believe deeply in themselves and their potential. Taxation is an exciting and strategic field that needs a wide range of profiles and skills. Even if these women develop in environments where females are underrepresented, they must persevere, commit with determination and rely on continuous training and skills building, particularly in a context defined by the complexity of economic issues and digitalization.
Platforms like those offered by ATAF offer remarkable opportunities for young female tax practitioners to seize: they provide access to specialized training, provide opportunities to meet African experts, and participate in initiatives that concretely contribute to shaping the future of taxation on the continent.
Finally, I encourage them to see challenges as opportunities. Their commitment and expertise are essential to putting in place modern, transparent and inclusive tax systems for Africa’s sustainable development.
These women are not just participants – they are decision-makers, agenda-setters, and role models. Their voices are essential to building fairer, more representative tax systems across the continent. Their presence in ATAF’s Joint Technical Committees signals a broader shift – a move towards inclusivity, collaboration, and the recognition that good policy is strengthened by diversity.
