NAIROBI, May 29(Xinhua) -- Experts gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday to discuss strategies for enhancing domestic revenue mobilization through effective tax measures in Africa.
The three-day 9th Africa Tax Symposium 2024 has brought together over 200 delegates, including African tax administrators and development partners, to address critical tax issues such as revenues from cross-border trade.
Humphrey Wattanga Mulongo, commissioner general of Kenya Revenue Authority, urged African countries to modernize their tax administrations and revenue collections despite facing challenges such as informality, governance deficits, and illicit financial flows.
"Embracing technologies like data analytics, and blockchain can improve tax administration operations, compliance, and service delivery. Digitizing tax systems can streamline processes and enhance taxpayer services," Wattanga added.
He also called on African tax administrations to protect taxpayer rights, uphold integrity, fairness, and accountability while serving them, and provide access to effective dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Emily Muyaa, chief of capacity development unit at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs-Financing for Sustainable Development Office (UNDESA-FSDO), urged African tax administrations to implement effective reforms to address revenue losses and create a fair competitive environment for domestic businesses.
Mary Baine, deputy executive secretary and head of strategy, planning and international cooperation at African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), said that enhancing regional collaboration and harmonizing tax policies is crucial for Africa's tax future, noting that Africa's voice is becoming more significant in international tax policy debates.
Baine urged African countries to prioritize their interests and priorities on a global scale, advocate for fair and equitable tax systems, combat tax evasion, and promote global tax cooperation. ■
