WATAF backs regional digital tax cooperation

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Barbara Bako, Abuja.

The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) has said countries across the region are making significant progress in adopting digital technologies to strengthen tax administration and improve revenue collection.

Speaking at the 11th Africa Tax Symposium in Rabat, Morocco, WATAF Executive Secretary, Jules Tapsoba, said the organisation is working with the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) to support the development of regional tools and applications aimed at improving the taxation of digital economic activities and enhancing information sharing between tax and customs authorities.

According to him, countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Senegal have introduced reforms targeting digital services and online economic activities as governments seek to improve revenue mobilisation in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Tapsoba said tax administrations in West Africa have increasingly deployed integrated tax administration systems, electronic VAT platforms, digital dispute resolution mechanisms, e-invoicing systems and online taxpayer services to boost efficiency and compliance.

He noted that although the pace of implementation varies across countries, the trend toward digitalisation is helping tax authorities improve transparency, service delivery and tax collection.

The WATAF chief said the organisation continues to support member countries through technical assistance, training programmes, research, peer-learning initiatives and strategic partnerships designed to strengthen institutional capacity and address emerging fiscal challenges.

He also stressed the need for sustained investment in human capital and regional cooperation to ensure tax administrations can effectively respond to opportunities and challenges created by technological change.

The symposium, organised by the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD), brought together tax administrators, policymakers, academics and development partners to discuss developments in international taxation and the future of tax administration in Africa.

During the event, Tapsoba received a plaque in recognition of his contributions to strengthening tax administration and advancing domestic revenue mobilisation across West Africa.

He dedicated the award to WATAF’s member administrations, partners and stakeholders, describing the recognition as a reflection of their collective efforts to promote tax reforms and stronger revenue systems across the region.