By Akanimo Sampson
On Wednesday, the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, Africa Union Commission and African Tax Administration Forum will be launching this year’s Tax Transparency in Africa (TTIA) report.
The report, a key output of the Africa Initiative produced in close partnership with the African Development Bank, aims to inform decision makers and citizens by providing comparable statistics on tax transparency.
It is also an exchange of information as part of African countries’ responses to illicit financial flows and to increase domestic revenue mobilization across the continent.
The virtual launch event will include a presentation of the report and panel discussions featuring high-level speakers representing the African Union Commission; the Africa Initiative; the OECD, the African Tax Administration Forum; the European Union Commission; the African Development Bank and other organizations.
The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes is a multilateral framework for tax transparency and information sharing, within which over 160 jurisdictions participate on an equal footing, including 32 African countries.
The Global Forum monitors and peer reviews the implementation of international standard of exchange of information on request and automatic exchange of information.
It also provide capacity building to its members to assist them in the implementation of and benefit from the internationals standards.
The Global Forum has a self-standing dedicated Secretariat, based in the OECD’s Centre for Tax Policy and Administration.
The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) serves as an African network that aims at improving tax systems in Africa through exchanges, knowledge dissemination, capacity development and active contribution to the regional and global tax agenda.
Improved tax systems will increase accountability of the State to its citizens, enhance domestic resource mobilisation and thereby foster inclusive economic growth.