NAIROBI – Mr Logan Wort, the Executive Secretary of African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), emphasized the importance of tax transparency during the
11th Africa Initiative meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.
In his remarks to the 11th Africa Initiative meeting, where the Africa Initiative Progress Report was launched, Mr Wort noted that the continent has been negatively affected by
tax transparency on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) disproportionate to the rest of the world.
As a panellist on the topic
Tax Transparency and the fight against illicit Financial Flows in Africa, the executive secretary highlighted ATAF’s current work which involves training tax officials and creating awareness. This has resulted in improved exchange of information (EOI) and tax transparency in Africa.
Additionally, he praised the work of the organisation’s EOI Technical Committee, which has played a vital role in promoting EOI.
“A dedicated and adequately funded tax administration and ministry of finance should be dedicated to tax transparency and EOI on the continent.” Mr Wort reiterated that policy alignment, capacity building, legislative reform, and advancements in IT infrastructure are essential to the promotion of EOI and tax transparency in Africa.
It was noted by the Executive Secretary that collaboration with international partners was necessary in order to advance the cause, and he highlighted the joint work ATAF and Global Forum continue to carry out in five countries on the continent.
“ATAF will continue to support the promotion of EOI and tax transparency as a way of reducing IFFs and increasing domestic resource mobilisation on the African continent.” Mr Wort added.
As noted in the report, the increasing number of exchanges of information requests led to increased tax revenue collected by a number of African countries. However, delegates stressed that more efforts are needed to make tax transparency and EOI a reality throughout Africa.
Presenting the report, Zayda Manatta, Head of the Global Forum Secretariat, underlined the achievements made in 2021 regarding tax transparency and EOI political awareness raised in Africa.
