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

PRETORIA - The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) recently hosted a dynamic consultative workshop aimed at fostering collaboration and enhancing tax administration across Africa. The workshop held from 18th – 20th March 2024, 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.

The first and second day of the workshop kicked off with opening remarks from Mr Emeka Nwankwo, the Acting Senior Manager of Member Services at ATAF; and Mr Logan Wort, the Executive Secretary of ATAF. In their insightful remarks, they stressed the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in driving effective tax administration across Africa.

The first day of the workshop was filled with engaging sessions, including an overview of the ATAF Tax Academy Draft Concept presented by Caroline Mutayabarwa, Manager of the Tax Academy at ATAF. Participants also delved into discussions surrounding the ATAF Knowledge Hub, followed by explorations of presentations from various member training schools.

During the second day, critical topics with sessions focusing on training impact assessment and breakout discussions centred around the value proposition of the tax academy, general and regional training needs, and measuring academy trainings for enhancement.

On the side lines of this workshop, participants shared their journeys on the positive impact of ATAF trainings.

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.

“The good thing about that article was that it helped me progress in my career, the moment that article [research paper] was out, I got promoted at work so it was great for me. In one way or another, you are touched by ATAF’s services.”

Further afield, Ms Elizabeth Kamara – Head of training at National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone - confidently noted how she can now conduct her own trainings at the revenue authority after immersing herself in ATAF’s trainings. 

“The trainings have impacted me positively, I’ve learnt a lot from other tax academies.”

Furthermore, a technical committee was constituted and mandated to continue with the discussions and provide guidance, develop necessary frameworks, to inform the envisaged ATAF Tax Academy. The Academy Technical Committee comprises of Kenya, Nigeria, Mauritius, South Africa, Tanzania and Togo.