Addressing tax administrators in Africa, FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji emphasized the importance of seeking local solutions to challenges rather than relying on external sources for help, as stated by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, during a recent three-day council meeting of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) hosted by FIRS in Lagos.
The ATAF, headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa, serves as a platform for African tax administrators to enhance their capabilities, achieve revenue targets, and promote the significance of taxation in African governance and state development.
Adedeji, also President of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA), highlighted the need for practical solutions to address the continent’s challenges, particularly in local resource mobilization. He emphasized that solutions must come from those who understand the problems firsthand.
Encouraging member countries to take ATAF seriously and adhere to established rules, Adedeji emphasized the importance of collective efforts in showcasing Africa’s strengths.
He reiterated that Africa’s issues can only be authentically resolved by Africans themselves. Adedeji called on everyone to redouble their efforts in prioritizing ATAF activities, emphasizing that the organization’s success depends on embracing solutions that are intrinsic to Africa.
Regarding the management of the secretariat, Adedeji stressed the need for a seamless transition as the current Executive Secretary’s term concludes in March 2025 after 16 years of commendable service by Mr. Logan Wort. Adedeji commended Mr. Wort’s dedication and called for a commitment to upholding ATAF’s founding principles in decision-making processes.