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African Revenue Authorities Converge In Kampala With Focus On Taxing The Digital Economy

By D. Kaihenneh Sengbeh
Africa African Revenue Authorities Converge In Kampala With Focus On Taxing The Digital Economy
NOV 19, 2019 LISTEN

African Tax Administrators and revenue experts have converged in Kampala, Uganda, for the 4th International Conference on Tax in Africa (ICTA). The event coincides with 10th founding anniversary of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), which was launched in Kampala in 2009.

At least 430 participants from 38 African countries including Liberia are attending the ATAF biennial being hosted this year by the Uganda Revenue Authority.

Ugandan President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to address official opening of the gathering on Tuesday at the Kampala Serena.

The International Conference on Tax in Africa brings together ATAF Member States, International organizations, Policy Makers, Academics and Civil Society Organizations to an International Conference on Tax matters affecting the continent.

The theme for the 4th ICTA Conference is “Innovation - Digitalization and Harnessing Technology to Improve Tax Systems”. As the world continuously becomes digital as a result of the advanced technology, so too, has its economy. African tax administrators will spend much time on discussing and devising strategies on how to tap into the growing digital economy to capture the millions in revenue the continent is missing out on.

Many African countries including Liberia, are now introducing strategies to simplify tax collection with the introduction of mobile apps, mobile tax payment, paperless declaration and electronic filing, among others, but little has been done to tax the digital economy.

During the conference, participants will explore innovative solutions to the policy challenges that countries face in dealing with the taxation of digitalised economy which will inform the global tax debate over the next decade. The conference will also discuss African policy challenges including international and domestic aspects of the taxation of other key sectors.

Further, discussions will look at innovation through use of technology in Africa to strengthen tax systems and develop solutions to tax base broadening, dealing with high net worth individuals, assessment and collection to increase tax efficiency and effectiveness.

The weeklong event will, among others include several important meetings and engagements including ATAF Council meeting, Donors Consultative meeting, ATAF Technical Committee meetings Value Added Tax and a networking session.

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