Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu [email protected]
AFRICAN scholars should play a more active role in shaping international tax policy as the continent seeks to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation and secure a fairer share of global tax revenues to finance sustainable development.
The call comes ahead of the 11th African Tax Research Network (ATRN) Congress, scheduled for 22–24 September in Kigali, Rwanda, where experts will deliberate on contemporary taxation issues affecting Africa amid growing efforts to reform the global tax architecture.
Launching the 2026 African Tax Research Network Fireside Chat Series on Friday, the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) hosted a high-level public lecture delivered by Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Finance for Tax Policy and Reforms, Mr Ramy Mohamed Youssef, who also chairs the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
Held under the theme, “The United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation: Process, Progress and the Road Ahead,” the lecture marked the first in a series of engagements leading to the ATRN Congress, whose theme is “Contemporary Taxation Issues in Africa.”
In his address, Mr Youssef outlined progress towards establishing the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, saying the initiative represents a significant shift from a tax system traditionally focused on preventing double taxation to one that seeks a fairer allocation of taxing rights in an increasingly digital and interconnected global economy.
He said the proposed framework aims to create a more inclusive international tax system capable of supporting sustainable development while enabling developing countries to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation.
ATAF executive secretary Ms Mary Baine said Africa’s ability to influence global tax policy would depend not only on negotiations but also on the quality of evidence generated by African researchers.
“The future of international tax cooperation will not be shaped by negotiations alone. It will also be shaped by the quality of research and evidence that informs those negotiations,” she said.
“Through the African Tax Research Network, ATAF is creating a platform where African scholarship contributes to African priorities and global tax policy.”
Chairperson of the ATRN board and director of the African Tax Institute, Professor Annet Oguttu, urged African academics to move beyond being passive observers of global tax reforms and become key contributors to policy formulation.
“African scholars should not merely observe international tax negotiations. They should help shape them by providing the research, technical expertise and policy analysis needed to advance Africa’s priorities,” she said.
Prof Oguttu said the African Tax Research Network continues to strengthen the continent’s tax research ecosystem by bringing together researchers, policymakers and tax administrators while building a growing repository of African tax experts to support future international tax cooperation.
Interest in this year’s ATRN Congress continues to grow, with about 190 research papers already submitted by scholars from across Africa and beyond.
The selected papers will be presented during the congress, showcasing innovative research and practical solutions to improve tax policy, enhance tax administration and consolidate Africa’s domestic revenue base.
Since its establishment, the ATRN has emerged as one of Africa’s leading tax research platforms, fostering collaboration between academia, tax authorities and policymakers while promoting African-led research that informs policy reforms and strengthens national tax systems.
The Kigali congress is expected to bring together researchers, tax administrators, policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders to examine emerging tax challenges and explore practical strategies for strengthening Africa’s fiscal capacity through more effective and equitable taxation.
