OECD, ATAF agree to improve Africa’s tax systems

Two key bodies have agreed to work together to improve tax systems in Africa.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) on October 25, 2012 signed a Memorandum of Co-operation to effect the collaboration on enhancing the tax systems on the continent.

A statement issued by the OECD said the two groups have planned joint activities for 2013 – 2015 and they include technical events for African tax officials, sharing knowledge and developing good practices.

Co-operation efforts will also include work in the areas of tax incentives for investment, transfer pricing, exchange of information, taxpayer education, and collection of African revenue statistics and support for the proposed Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) initiative, the statement added.

“ATAF will help African countries build strong, effective and efficient tax systems and counter erosion of their tax bases. We are delighted with this partnership and fully support ATAF’s agenda” said Pascal Saint-Amans, Director of the OECD’s Centre for Tax Policy and Administration.

Jon Lomoy, Head of OECD’s Development Co-operation Directorate, was of the view that the OECD/ATAF partnership will boost developing countries’ ability to mobilise domestic resources, invest in development, relieve poverty and deliver public services.

By Ekow Quandzie