IPNEWS: The Commissioner Generals of Revenue Authorities attending the Annual Meetings of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) in Kigali, Rwanda, have elected and inducted the forum’s new leadership, known as the ATAF Council. This leadership will guide the continental body for the next two years.
South Africa emerged as the new Chair of ATAF, while Namibia was elected as as Vice Chair of the Council. The Council also includes Heads of Tax Administrations from Rwanda, Morocco, Uganda, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mauritius, and Botswana.
Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General, James Dorbor Jallah, who cast his vote in the ATAF leadership election for the first time, since he took over LRA in March this year, expressed Liberia’s pride in being part of this vital continental initiative.
Speaking to the African Tax Media Network, he noted that Liberia has greatly benefited from ATAF’s capacity-building programs, which have strengthened the LRA’s ability to effectively collect revenue for the people of Liberia. “It was a thorough democratic exercise, and in the end, we elected the leadership for the next two years. The LRA remains fully committed to supporting ATAF’s leadership and the impactful work it carries out to boost domestic resource mobilization on our continent,” he said.
In his inaugural remarks, Mr. Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner for South African Revenue Services (SARS) and newly elected ATAF Chair, pledged the Council’s commitment to driving progress through collaboration and innovation. “We are dedicated to fostering transparency and delivering the strategic leadership necessary to achieve the continent’s sustainable development goals. Together, we will ensure that African tax administrations are well-equipped to meet both current and future challenges,” Kieswetter stated.
The outgoing Chair, Dr. Philippe Tchodie, Commissioner General of the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR), expressed his gratitude to ATAF members for their steadfast support during his tenure. He wished the new Council success, saying, “It has been an honor to serve this organization. I am confident that the new leadership will build on our collective achievements to further ATAF’s mission and strengthen tax systems across Africa.”
The newly elected Council will prioritize strengthening ATAF’s role in enhancing regional collaboration and empowering African nations to mobilize resources effectively, supporting both economic growth and essential public services across the continent.
The ATAF Second Annual Meetings, hosted by the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), were held at the Kigali Convention Centre from December 2 to 6, 2024.
Over 500 participants from across the continent gathered to engage under the theme, “Preparing for the Future: Revenue Administration in a Dynamic Global Landscape.” This theme underscores the critical role of domestic revenue mobilization (DRM) in driving economic independence and sustainable development across Africa.
The gathering is one of ATAF’s most significant events, with participants discussing key tax-related issues and exploring innovative strategies to improve revenue collection continent-wide.
