WATAF Wants Greater African Representation in UN Tax Convention

Africa: The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) is calling for a more inclusive African participation in negotiations on the United Nations Tax Convention.

WATAF Executive Secretary, Jules Tapsoba, said if actualized, the move would present an opportunity for the continent to help shape a fairer global tax system.

Tapsoba's call comes during a webinar organized by the Tax Justice Network Africa and the CCFD-Terre Solidaire on June 22, 2026 under the theme, “Strengthening the Mobilisation of Francophone Civil Society Organisations in Africa Around the United Nations Tax Convention".

He stated that the proposed convention offers African countries a platform to influence international tax rules in ways that reflect their development priorities and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation.

Jules Tapsoba noted that for WATAF and its member tax administrations, the UN Tax Convention goes beyond international negotiations.

According to him, it is a platform through which African countries can advocate for tax policies that address their realities, improve revenue collection, and support sustainable development.

“Taxation remains the foundation of development,” Mr. Tapsoba stressed, adding that stronger international tax cooperation is necessary to help African countries tackle illicit financial flows, improve tax transparency, strengthen compliance, and effectively tax cross-border economic activities.

The WATAF Executive Secretary said the institution will continue to support tax administrations across West Africa through capacity building, technical assistance, research, policy dialogue, and cooperation on international taxation issues.

According to him, the Forum’s International Taxation Committee, which serves as a platform for member countries to exchange knowledge, coordinate positions, and engage more effectively in global tax discussions.

He identified key areas requiring greater attention, including the exchange of tax information, tax transparency, joint audits, revenue recovery, international cooperation, and the fight against illicit financial flows.

Tapsoba also recognised the role of Francophone civil society organisations in promoting public awareness and accountability around tax reforms, noting that their engagement is essential to ensuring that tax policies deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.

As preparations continue for the next phase of negotiations in Nairobi, Kenya, WATAF says it remains committed to helping member tax administrations build the technical capacity and policy coordination needed to participate effectively in the process.

The Forum believes that a stronger African voice in global tax governance will help create a more equitable international tax system while boosting domestic revenue mobilisation across the continent.