AUC and ATAF Strengthen Cooperation on Tax Policies

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing institutional cooperation to improve domestic resource mobilization across Africa. This commitment was established during a meeting at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, led by ATAF Council Chair Dr Johnston Makhubu and AUC Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals H.E.

Francisca Belobe. The discussions focused on priority tax policy issues aimed at increasing revenue, improving tax compliance, and financing sustainable development.

Belobe emphasized the necessity of stronger cooperation among African institutions to build effective national fiscal systems and encouraged ATAF to engage more with the private sector. Key topics included the effective application of African tax instruments, such as the Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters (AMATM), which facilitates cooperation among tax administrations.

The meeting also addressed challenges in extractive industries and the importance of the ATAF Model Double Taxation Agreement for negotiating tax treaties that protect African countries' taxing rights.