African Tax Bodies Sign Strategic Memorandum to Strengthen Domestic Tax Resource Mobilization

Pretoria, South Africa: In a bid to enhance regional tax reform, the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) has signed a long-term Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) aimed at accelerating revenue performance across West Africa.

The agreement, signed in Pretoria, South Africa, signals a shift toward a more integrated and results-oriented collaboration between the two international tax bodies.

The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation positions WATAF to strengthen support to its member administrations while reinforcing alignment with broader African priorities on domestic resource mobilization.

At its core, the partnership is designed to develop tax system reforms to translate cooperation into measurable outcomes for the broader administration of tax collection on the African continent.

Revenue authorities across West Africa stand to benefit from expanded access to technical expertise, enhanced capacity-building initiatives, and structured knowledge exchange platforms that promote practical, peer-driven solutions to common challenges.

A key feature of the collaboration is its emphasis on smarter, evidence-based policymaking. By strengthening data systems and leveraging regional research—including initiatives like the Regional Tax Outlook—countries will be better equipped to design reforms that improve compliance, boost collections, and respond to evolving economic realities.

The MoC also introduces a more coordinated approach to technical assistance, reducing fragmentation and ensuring that support is tailored to national priorities. Focus areas are expected to include tax policy modernization, revenue optimization, and emerging issues such as digital taxation and cross-border compliance risks.

Speaking during the occasion on Monday, March 30th, the Executive Secretary of the African Tax Administration Forum, Mary Baine, underscored the operational significance of the agreement: “We are delighted to formalize this long-term partnership with WATAF."

"It strengthens our ability to jointly support countries in West Africa with programs that are both responsive and impactful, while also deepening our understanding of regional tax trends".

For WATAF, the agreement represents more than institutional collaboration—it is a platform to amplify the region’s influence. By strengthening coordination and consolidating regional perspectives.

The West African Tax Administration Forum aims to ensure that West African priorities are more effectively represented in continental and global tax discussions.

Jules Tapsoba, Executive Secretary of WATAF, emphasized this strategic dimension:

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to building strong, coherent tax systems across West Africa. It also creates an important channel for ensuring that the region’s voice shapes wider tax policy debates.”

The two organizations have worked closely since 2015, delivering joint initiatives that have already contributed to improved tax administration practices in the region. The new agreement builds on that foundation, formalizing a long-term framework for deeper collaboration and sustained impact.

As West African economies navigate increasing fiscal pressures and evolving global tax dynamics, the strengthened WATAF–ATAF partnership positions the region to move faster on reform—enhancing revenue resilience, improving institutional capacity, and advancing broader development goals.