Livingstone, Zambia – The 14th African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Country Correspondent Conference commenced today in Livingstone, Zambia, drawing representatives from all 43 ATAF member countries, along with Exchange of Information officials and ATAF Secretariat staff.
Hosted by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the two-day conference aims to address pivotal issues such as fortifying the role of ATAF’s Country Correspondents and enhancing collaboration among member nations.
Under the theme “Evaluating and enhancing information exchange mechanisms in ATAF Member countries, a cornerstone in fostering effective tax governance,” the conference serves as a crucial platform for the Secretariat and Country Correspondents to strengthen relationships and devise strategies for bolstering cooperation.
Logan Wort, Executive Secretary of ATAF, expressed his enthusiasm for the conference, emphasising its significance in fostering collaboration among African tax authorities. He highlighted the importance of enhancing information exchange mechanisms to combat illicit financial flows, safeguarding economies, and shaping Africa’s tax future.
Dingani Banda, the Commissioner General for Zambia Revenue Authority, reiterated Zambia’s commitment to hosting the conference and emphasised the role of strengthened collaboration in addressing revenue mobilisation challenges across the continent. Banda stressed the importance of leveraging technology to improve administrative and process efficiency in revenue administration and trade facilitation.
The conference aims to build on ATAF’s successes over the past 15 years, including offering technical assistance to members and focusing on areas such as modernisation, digitisation, and new global reforms. Last year alone, ATAF facilitated tax assessments totaling USD 1.41 billion and conducted 180 technical assistance missions across 35 countries.
Notably, in 2023, Uganda saw a significant boost in revenue generation, with an additional USD 39.2 million assessed through ATAF’s transfer pricing audits.
With Africa’s journey towards sustainable development in focus, the evaluation and enhancement of information exchange mechanisms take center stage at the 14th ATAF Country Correspondent Conference. The gathering promises to be a pivotal moment, bringing together key stakeholders to chart a path towards more effective tax administration and governance across the continent.