Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu, [email protected]
AS external financing declines and fiscal pressures intensify, Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM) is no longer optional for Africa as it offers the foundation for sustainable development, economic resilience and fiscal sovereignty.
This is contained in the recently released African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) 2025 Annual Report, which strongly highlights growing impact of DRM across Africa.
Zimbabwe is a member of ATAF and has already broadened its DRM focus with success, highlighting the regional organisation’s growing contribution to strengthening tax systems, advancing domestic revenue mobilisation, and amplifying Africa’s voice in global tax policy discussions.
The latest annual report reflects a year of significant progress across ATAF’s strategic priorities, including capacity building, technical assistance, research, digital transformation, international tax cooperation, and institutional strengthening.
In 2025 alone, ATAF-supported audit interventions in member countries generated US$907.8 million in tax assessments, of which US$685.8 million was successfully collected.
Speaking on the release of the report, ATAF executive secretary, Ms Mary Baine, said the report demonstrates the growing urgency and importance of domestic resource mobilisation in Africa’s development agenda.
“Domestic Resource Mobilisation is no longer optional for Africa; it is the foundation for sustainable development, economic resilience, and fiscal sovereignty,” she said.
“As external financing declines and fiscal pressures intensify, African countries must strengthen tax systems to modernise revenue administration, and build fiscally resourced states that finance development with integrity, effectiveness, and measurable results.”
Throughout the year, ATAF provided technical assistance to 35 countries, trained 2 433 tax officials from 43 countries, and supported legislative and administrative reforms across the continent.
The report also highlights ATAF’s expanding role in shaping global tax discourse and ensuring African perspectives are reflected in international tax policy processes, including engagements with the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation and broader discussions on illicit financial flows, digital taxation, and tax transparency.
Ms Baine added that ATAF stands ready, working with members, partners, and all stakeholders committed to strengthening development financing through DRM, to support reforms that deliver real impact in the lives of Africa’s people.
