Over 100 participants have gathered in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, for a crucial two-day workshop focused on strengthening tax communication across Africa.
The event, which opened today, brings together tax administration communicators and journalists from across the continent to tackle pressing tax issues and develop collaborative strategies for promoting tax compliance and public awareness.
Day one of the workshops has been dedicated to exploring complex topics, ranging from illicit financial flows (IFFs) to innovative communication techniques. Discussions are centering on the impact of IFFs on African economies, with participants examining case studies and exploring strategies for tax administrators to identify and combat these flows, particularly those involving multinational corporations.
A key focus of the day has been bridging the communication gap between tax authorities and the media, fostering open dialogue, and identifying areas for improved collaboration.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to practical communication strategies. Attendees have explored effective storytelling techniques to make tax-related information more accessible to the public. The role of media in shaping public perception and driving tax compliance has been highlighted, with discussions focusing on leveraging digital media platforms, social media campaigns, and partnerships with influencers and community leaders.
Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency.
Mamadou Sere, representing the Minister of Economic and Finance, urged participants to actively engage in discussions and propose concrete solutions for strengthening tax systems and improving domestic resource mobilization. He expressed optimism that the workshop will generate actionable recommendations to combat IFFs.
Eugene Southgate, representing ATAF Executive Secretary Logan Woart, echoed the need for collaboration between tax authorities and the media, emphasizing their shared goal of serving the public interest. He acknowledged the communication and information access challenges and reiterated ATAF’s commitment to enhancing communication through training and knowledge sharing.
Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, Chair of the African Tax Media Engagement Network (ATMEN), highlighted the organization’s vital role in prioritizing African tax narratives and amplifying local voices in tax discussions. He explained that ATMEN was formed out of necessity, driven by the collective commitment of journalists and tax communicators to shape a more accurate and representative discourse on tax in Africa.
The Ouagadougou workshop supported by ATAF represents a significant step towards enhancing tax communication and compliance across the continent. Participants have reported that the first day has equipped them with new tools and strategies, energizing them to promote effective tax governance and public awareness. The collaborative spirit and shared commitment demonstrated by both tax authorities and media professionals promise to play a vital role in shaping Africa’s tax landscape, fostering greater transparency and accountability in the fight against IFFs and the effort to boost domestic resource mobilization. The workshop concludes tomorrow, February 12th.