Strengthening capacity to tackle IFFs and enhance domestic resource mobilisation through ATAF’s technical committees
At the heart of the discussions was the impact of the toolkits, suggested approaches, policy briefs, and technical notes developed by the committees.
The Joint Technical Committee (JTC) comprises of the five technical committees of ATAF Indirect Tax Technical Committee (ITC), Direct Tax Technical Committee (DTC), Tax Administration Technical Committee (TTC), Cross Border Taxation Technical Committee (CBT) and Exchange of Information Technical Committee (EOI). Picture taken on 29 May 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa.
From 26 to 30 May 2025, the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) hosted a significant week of engagement through its Technical Committee Meetings and the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in Pretoria, South Africa. These sessions brought together tax experts from across the continent to develop concrete, home-grown solutions that help African revenue administrations strengthen their tax systems.
The JTCs serve as ATAF’s premier technical think tanks. They provide a collaborative space for African tax experts to identify challenges, share best practices, and design tailored tax policy and administrative tools. The JTC on IFFs plays a critical role in steering policy and technical responses to the threat of IFFs, which continue to undermine domestic resource mobilisation efforts across the continent.
At the heart of the discussions was the impact of the toolkits, suggested approaches, policy briefs, and technical notes developed by the committees - resources that 25 ATAF member countries have already adopted to improve legal frameworks, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and enhance tax compliance.
“Our member countries have benefited from the Toolkits, Policy Briefs, Technical Notes, and Suggested Approaches developed by these committees in designing their domestic law measures,” Mr. Anthony Munanda, ATAF Head of Domestic Resource Mobilisation remarked.
The week also marked a moment of transition and recognition. ATAF announced the newly elected leadership of the Exchange of Information Technical Committee, while honouring Mr. Femi Edgal, the outgoing Chairperson, for his exceptional contribution and leadership as he prepares for retirement. His dedication has left a lasting impact on the advancement of cross-border cooperation and exchange of information efforts among ATAF members.
The five JTCs - each with a specific mandate - have become an engine for policy innovation and institutional strengthening in the African tax space.
By addressing key issues such as tax transparency, exchange of information, digital taxation, and IFFs, these committees are helping to shape a more coherent, effective, and inclusive tax environment on the continent.
Their work directly supports ATAF’s mission to enhance the effectiveness of tax administration in Africa, promote tax justice, and reduce dependence on external financing by mobilising domestic resources more efficiently.
ATAF’s Joint Technical Committees continue to
deliver tangible results, equipping African countries with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to respond to today’s most pressing tax challenges.
