Algiers, Algeria – Participants at the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) annual meetings in Algiers highlighted the critical role of accurate and comprehensive data collection in enhancing tax efficiency and performance. The discussions, held at the Abdellatif Rahal International Conference Centre, emphasized the importance of data for tax administrations in assessing risks, monitoring tax compliance, and making informed decisions.
Tax officials from across the continent convened to discuss strategies for improving tax compliance and boosting efficiency through the effective use of economic and tax-related information.
Rabah Belgacemi, Director of Information Management and Tax Investigations at the Directorate General of Taxes, stressed that effective tax administration, control, and collection are impossible without accurate, accessible, and properly processed data. He noted that investing in data and digitalization is essential for improving the efficiency of the tax system and building trust with taxpayers.
Belgacemi outlined the Directorate’s phased data collection and digitalization strategy, which included restructuring the central administration and establishing a Directorate for Information Management and Tax Audits, along with a division for tax control and investigations. This, he explained, reflects a commitment to using data for control and combating tax evasion.
The strategy also involved revising legal texts, such as introducing electronic tax filing for taxpayers, developing electronic payment methods through the Directorate’s ” جبايتك (MyTaxes)” information system, and strengthening the legal framework to facilitate access to accurate information.
Belgacemi mentioned that the Directorate has signed several cooperation protocols with bodies such as Customs, the National Centre of the Commercial Register, and the National Social Security Fund to provide essential information for the Directorate’s work, including control, collection, and especially combating tax evasion and fraud.
Ivorian tax administration official, Yvan Sica, Director of Investigations and Risk Analysis, emphasized the pivotal role of data collection and exchange between institutions in promoting and improving governance, noting its importance for the continent.
