Africa stands at a defining moment in its development journey. Rising debt, declining aid, rapid population growth, and increasing demand for quality public services are intensifying pressure on public finances across the continent. At the same time, illicit financial flows continue to erode tax bases, while digitalised business models evolve faster than tax laws and administrative systems. Strengthening domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) is therefore not simply a policy option—it is a strategic imperative for fiscal sovereignty and long-term resilience.
In 2025, African Tax Administration Forum delivered strong, measurable results for its 44 member countries. Through targeted technical assistance, capacity building, policy support, and applied research, ATAF-supported interventions generated USD 685.8 million in additional tax collections and USD 907.8 million in tax assessments. ATAF provided technical assistance to 35 countries, delivered 23 training programmes reaching 2,433 participants from 43 countries, and supported the drafting of 18 tax laws and frameworks, 15 of which were adopted. These efforts were reinforced by 16 research and policy outputs and 11 African-originated tax policy recommendations adopted at global and African Union levels.
Building on this momentum, ATAF’s 2026 Work Plan marks a decisive shift toward implementation, institutional readiness, and impact at scale. The focus is on ensuring that every intervention delivers practical results—strengthening systems, building skills, and embedding reforms that endure beyond individual projects.
A central priority in 2026 is the digital transformation of tax administrations. ATAF will intensify support for data-driven compliance management, the use of analytics, and strong support to members in implementing modern digital infrastructure to improve efficiency, transparency, and taxpayer confidence. Digitisation will underpin smarter risk management, more effective enforcement, and better service delivery.
Beyond technology, ATAF’s support will continue to strengthen audit capacity, enhance dispute prevention and resolution, and help members address complex and high-risk taxpayer segments. Particular emphasis will be placed on translating international tax commitments into practical, country-level outcomes aligned with national administrative capacity.
At the international level, ATAF members are actively shaping the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, engaging on issues such as taxing rights, dispute prevention, and the taxation of cross-border services. In parallel, ATAF will support members in navigating the operational implications of the global minimum tax, ensuring that complex rules deliver sustainable revenues without placing undue strain on administrations.
Through this focused and results-driven approach, ATAF will support its members in moving from policy ambition to consistent delivery—strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation through systems, skills, and institutions that are fit for purpose in a rapidly changing global tax environment.
