Algiers, Algeria – Algerian Finance Minister Abderrahmane Raouya emphasized the crucial role of effective tax administration in achieving development goals across Africa. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among African nations to strengthen their tax systems during the opening ceremony of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) annual meeting held in Algiers.
The conference, themed ‘Adopting Effective and Targeted Approaches for Equitable Tax Systems,’ brought together government officials, representatives from various organizations, business leaders, and delegates from African tax administrations.
Minister Raouya stated that the ATAF forum can play a significant role in unifying the efforts of African countries and their tax administrations to achieve efficiency and objectives that enable balanced development and growth, particularly within the framework of social justice. He highlighted the importance of tax administration for all countries, especially African nations that are still developing and seeking ways to accelerate their progress towards their goals.
ATAF Chairman Edward Kieswetter called for unified efforts to realize the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of an integrated, prosperous, and financially independent continent that guarantees dignity and prosperity for all African citizens. He emphasized the continent’s abundant natural resources and innovative minds.
Kieswetter also lauded the tangible progress made by many African countries in the digital transformation of tax systems and the fight against illicit financial flows. He noted that these advancements have contributed to the recovery of billions of dollars belonging to the African people, representing a crucial step towards financing development from within.
He further stressed that the next phase requires building fair tax systems that ensure wealthy individuals and large corporations contribute their fair share of taxes while protecting low-income earners and small businesses. He also called for enhanced African and international cooperation to combat tax base erosion and profit shifting abroad.
The ATAF is also spearheading initiatives aimed at bolstering tax revenues in Africa by 2030, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and financial autonomy for the continent.
