ATAF Advocates for Tax Reforms to Speed Up AfCFTA at ECA Conference

ATAF Communication • March 20, 2025

ATAF emphasised the importance of harmonised tax systems and advocating for revenue-generation mechanisms that would sustain government finances while fostering trade liberalisation.

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) actively participated in the Fifty-Seventh Session of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA): Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. The high-profile event took place from 12 to 18 March 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.


The recently concluded Conference of Ministers reinforced the urgency of transformative actions to drive the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Ministers, policymakers, and technical experts gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening regional integration and unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade. The conference underscored the critical role of tax and customs policies in ensuring that AfCFTA delivers on its promise of economic transformation.


ATAF emphasised the importance of harmonised tax systems and advocating for revenue-generation mechanisms that would sustain government finances while fostering trade liberalisation. ATAF used this platform to strengthen its collaboration with key continental institutions, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union (AU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Afreximbank. These partnerships remain essential in advancing tax and customs reforms that align with AfCFTA’ s objectives, ensuring that trade policies are designed to enhance rather than hinder economic integration.


One of the pressing concerns raised at the conference was the financial impact of reducing tariffs under AfCFTA. Many African governments rely heavily on trade taxes for revenue, making it necessary to explore alternative sources of income. ATAF advocated for tax policy reforms that would maintain fiscal stability while promoting trade facilitation. Discussions focused on optimising domestic taxation to support revenue mobilisation, enhancing digital tax solutions, and strengthening indirect tax measures to ensure sustainable government financing. The need for improved tax administration and coordination was also emphasised to help countries navigate the evolving trade landscape


ATAF further championed the adoption of enhanced domestic revenue mobilisation strategies, stressing the importance of strengthening tax administration, broadening tax bases, and harnessing digital solutions to improve tax collection efficiency. 


Through its active engagement at the conference, ATAF reaffirmed its commitment working closely with its partners towards shaping effective tax and trade policies that support AfCFTA implementation and foster sustainable economic growth across Africa. 

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