ATAF Organises a tax administration communicators and tax journalist engagement
The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between tax authorities and the media, improving the clarity and accessibility of tax-related information to foster public awareness and boost tax compliance.
The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) organised a media engagement in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from 11-12 February 2025, bringing together tax communicators and journalists from across the continent to enhance media and tax administration collaboration to promote domestic resource mobilisation.
Hosted by Burkina Faso’s Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI), the event convened tax administration communicators from 15 ATAF member countries alongside 26 journalists from the African Tax Media Network (ATMeN), representing 20 countries.
The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between tax authorities and the media, improving the clarity and accessibility of tax-related information to foster public awareness and boost tax compliance.
Discussions covered emerging tax issues in Africa, providing journalists with in-depth insights into key fiscal challenges. Experts delivered presentations on pressing tax topics, equipping participants with a stronger foundation to report on tax policies and their impact accurately.
A key focus was on strengthening collaboration between tax administrations and the media to enhance public trust in tax systems and improve ATAF’s visibility in member countries.
Speaking on behalf of the ATAF Executive Secretary, Mr Eugene Southgate reaffirmed ATAF’s commitment to strengthening tax systems through effective communication.
“Journalists play a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability. By engaging in tax discussions, they help citizens understand their responsibilities and the impact of taxation on national development,” Mr Southgate stated.
The event marked a significant step toward fostering stronger partnerships between tax authorities and the media. By promoting dialogue and equipping journalists with deeper knowledge of tax issues, ATAF continues to support tax communicators and media professionals in ensuring tax policies are accessible and well understood.
