Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has called upon tax administrators across Africa to seek indigenous solutions to the continent’s challenges rather than relying on external sources for answers.
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Addressing delegates at a three-day council meeting of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) held in Lagos, Adedeji emphasised the importance of African-driven initiatives in addressing regional issues, particularly in local resource mobilization.
ATAF, headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa, serves as a platform for African tax administrators to enhance capacity, achieve revenue goals, and advance the role of taxation in African governance and state-building.
Adedeji, who also serves as the president of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA), stressed the significance of prioritizing ATAF’s activities and upholding its founding principles. He urged member countries to commit to ATAF’s rules and regulations, emphasizing that the success of the organization hinges on collective efforts to showcase Africa’s capabilities.
“The problems of Africa can only be authentically solved by Africans,” Adedeji remarked. “We must prioritize ATAF’s activities, recognizing that solutions to our challenges lie within our own continent. We cannot continue to rely on external platforms for solutions.”
Adedeji highlighted the importance of smooth leadership transitions within ATAF, acknowledging the contributions of Mr. Logan Wort, the current Executive Secretary, whose term will conclude in March 2025 after 16 years of service.
In his remarks, Edward Kieswetter, ATAF vice-chairman and Commissioner General of the South African Revenue Service, emphasized ATAF’s role in capacity building and technological advancement. He noted ATAF’s significance in providing a unified voice for African tax administrators on the global stage.
The Lagos council meeting, attended by representatives from various African countries, including Togo, Botswana, Rwanda, Zambia, Morocco, Burundi, The Gambia, Uganda, and others, underscored the collaborative efforts aimed at advancing tax administration and governance across the continent.
The ATAF Council, which convenes twice a year, plays a crucial role in providing strategic leadership and oversight on behalf of all members. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of African tax administrators to fostering sustainable development and prosperity through effective tax administration and collaboration.
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